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Women who are arrested for prostitution should have their names published. In states where prostitution is illegal, it is a crime just like any other, and those arrested for crimes are published in the public notices. Again, this only applies in areas where prostitution is considered a crime. Criminal records of anyone, not just prostitutes, are a matter of public record. Giving preferential treatment to the crime, except in the case of minors, is not doing just to the legal system.

This issue is not about protecting the rights of women. It is not about protecting the identities of the accused. Prostitution should not be treated any differently than any other crimes. Other crimes and criminal activity is reported to the local papers with names. Prostitution should not be any different simply because it is directed toward women. It is about not giving special treatment because that would be a case for gender inequality. Simply because it is a woman involved does not put the crime in a special, identity protected area.

If the prostitute is worried about her reputation, then perhaps she should have thought about that outcome before carrying out the act of prostitution. But it is not a matter of morals here. It is strictly a legal point of view. If all arrests and charges are printed and published, prostitution, since it is a convictable crime, should follow the same code. Singling out prostitution for any reason is absurd.

I do not understand why this is even an issue. Why should prostitutes names not be published? Is it an effort to the protect the rights of women who engage in unlawful activity? I believe they gave up those rights when they got arrested as a criminal. Is it because prostitution dates back to ancient civilization? So does murder. Murder is perhaps an older practice than prostitution. Did Cain not slay his brother Abel? If protecting the practice and its participates is based on the age and culture of the practice, then suspects arrested for murder and the victims should not be publish either.

That is when it goes back to the ethical code of journalism. Journalists and the news media have an obligation to the free world. It is their duty and role to inform the public of public interest and matter. Criminal activity is definitely a public interest and public matter, whether the crime is prostitution or not.

Learn more about this author, Meg Stepp.
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