by Patrick Sills

Created on: September 25, 2009   Last Updated: October 02, 2009

Prostitution is the world's oldest profession. Whether the practice is legal or not, it will exist to some degree in any sizable city. Moreover, it is largely unenforceable. Whenever an illegal brothel is shut down or a prostitute is arrested, they are often back in business within a matter of days; perhaps even less.

In some locations, police have given up even trying to arrest those who participate. As long as there are no complaints, it has become rather common practice for officials to simply look the other way. Since this is the case in many instances, why not just legalize prostitution and be done with it?

Those opposed to legalization are made up of religious groups who argue that prostitution is an immoral act. What they fail to realize is that our very moral fabric has changed. In the developed world, societies have adopted more relaxed standards. As a whole, we have lightened up.

The Victorian Era has long passed. Adult entertainment has become a multi-billion dollar industy, and the legalization of prostitution would serve as a logical next step.

There are arguments that such legislation would result in an epidemic of sexually-transmitted diseases. Nothing could be further from the truth. In select counties in the state of Nevada where prostitution is legal, the workers must undergo stringent testing for every major STD that exists; from genital herpes to HIV infection.

If a prostitute tests positive for any of these diseases, she will lose her license. Latex condoms must be used at all times as well. It may interest readers to know that since these requirements were implemented in 1986, there has not been one single case of HIV transmission to a paying customer. And here is something else that many do not take into consideration: Does one ever think about just who make up typical customers?

Unattractive, shy, inhibited men come to mind, as do those in sexless marriages. Old widowers, too. To be blunt, the only way these individuals will experience intercourse with a woman is by patronizing those who practice the profession. It therefore stands to reason that these people are not going to be riddled with diseases; provided that they select wisely. Obviously, if a person were to pick up a streetwalker in a seedy part of town who needs 50 bucks to get her next hit of crack or shot of heroin, this would be a poor choice.

But as for the legal brothels in places such as Nevada or even places that are not so legal but nevertheless observe safe sex practices, the chances for STD transmission are quite minimal. In fact, it is likely safer to vist a prostitute who has had a multitude of partners but is tested regularly than it is to pick up a stranger in a bar that has never been tested!

Legalizing prostitution (with the requirements listed above) would reduce and possibly eliminate the sleazy pimps who exploit and abuse women. The sickening slave trade with underage children would be greatly reduced. It would generate tax revenue and create jobs. And yes, the incidence of STD's would be lowered considerably.

There is no problem with strippers giving private lap dances to male customers in clubs for the purpose of ejaculation. Why not take it to the next level? Adult entertainment is here to stay, whether we approve of it or not.

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