Why is prostitution really illegal?

Summary

In this thought-provoking video, Ken Laort explores the complex history and ongoing criminalization of prostitution. From ancient societies where it was legalized and even managed by religious institutions, to modern times where it remains illegal in most parts of the world, the video delves into the reasons behind these laws. It examines the intersection of family values, religious doctrines, gender dynamics, and political support, revealing the social pressures that shape prostitution laws. Ultimately, the video offers insights into the moral, economic, and feminist debates surrounding the sex trade, encouraging viewers to question societal norms.

Takeaways

• 😀 Prostitution has historically been legal and even regulated by governments and religious institutions, especially in ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome.
• 😀 The criminalization of prostitution became widespread after the rise of Christianity, with the church playing a significant role in shaping the moral and legal perspectives on sex work.
• 😀 Despite the long history of prostitution being accepted, laws and attitudes toward it shifted dramatically during the 19th century, with widespread criminalization following the Protestant Reformation and other social movements.
• 😀 Modern arguments against the legalization of prostitution often focus on protecting women from exploitation, particularly trafficking, but there is a problem with lumping voluntary sex work with forced trafficking.
• 😀 Public health concerns have historically been cited as reasons for regulating prostitution, such as the spread of diseases like syphilis in the 1800s, but safer and regulated systems, like Nevada’s brothels, have proven effective in reducing health risks.
• 😀 Nuisance factors, like public disturbances from visible prostitution, are often cited as justifications for criminalizing sex work, especially in lower-income areas where street-based sex work is more visible.
• 😀 The idea of 'strengthening the family' plays a significant role in the criminalization of prostitution, with both religious and state interests focusing on the preservation of the nuclear family as a foundational social structure.
• 😀 The availability of prostitution can disrupt the traditional marriage dynamic, as men may choose paid sex over commitment, potentially lowering marriage rates and altering the courtship process.
• 😀 Women, as a group, tend to oppose the legalization of prostitution more than men, with concerns ranging from exploitation to moral decay, and their political support plays a major role in shaping prostitution laws.
• 😀 Anti-prostitution feminist groups dominate much of the discourse, advocating for policies like the Nordic model, which criminalizes buyers and treats sellers as victims, while sex-positive feminists argue for full legalization and labor protections for sex workers.

Q & A

Why is prostitution often referred to as the world's oldest profession?

Prostitution is called the world's oldest profession due to its presence in human society for millennia, dating back to ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome, where it was integrated into religious, civic, and economic life.

What is the primary argument for why prostitution is illegal today?

The most common argument for the criminalization of prostitution is the protection of women from exploitation, particularly trafficking and abuse. The idea is that making prostitution illegal helps prevent forced prostitution, which is seen as a form of sexual slavery.

How has prostitution been historically integrated into religious and civic life?

In ancient societies like Mesopotamia, prostitution was often run by religious institutions, such as the temple brothels dedicated to the goddess Ishtar. Similarly, in ancient Greece and Rome, prostitution was legalized, regulated, and taxed, with high-status prostitutes being educated companions.

Why did the criminalization of prostitution spread in Europe during the 1600s?

The criminalization of prostitution in the 1600s was partly influenced by the Protestant Reformation and the spread of Catholic morality, which led to stricter views on sexual behavior and a push for more stringent laws against prostitution.

What role does the concept of 'strengthening the family' play in the criminalization of prostitution?

Prostitution is often viewed as a threat to the traditional family unit, as it undermines the dynamics of marriage and sexual exclusivity. Both religious and state authorities have historically promoted strong nuclear families as foundational to a stable society.

How does the availability of prostitution potentially affect marriage rates?

The availability of prostitution could make marriage less appealing by providing an easier alternative for sexual satisfaction, potentially leading to lower marriage rates and delayed marriages, as well as an increase in divorce rates.

How does the economic aspect of marriage change with the availability of prostitution?

When sex can be purchased outside of marriage, it changes the economic negotiation within relationships, as one side of the traditional marital exchange (sex) becomes commodified, reducing the perceived value of a committed relationship.

What are the two main feminist perspectives on prostitution?

Anti-prostitution feminists view prostitution as a form of sexual slavery, where women cannot truly consent due to systemic inequalities. Sex-positive feminists argue that prostitution should be seen as legitimate labor, with sex workers entitled to the same rights and protections as other workers.

How do religious leaders and women’s groups influence prostitution laws?

Religious leaders have historically condemned prostitution, framing it as a sin, while women’s groups have lobbied for laws to protect women from exploitation, such as the Mann Act of 1910. Together, these groups have shaped the political and moral arguments against legalizing prostitution.

Why do women generally oppose the legalization of prostitution more than men?

Women are more likely to view prostitution as exploitation, with concerns about safety, social decay, and the potential harms to women involved in sex work. This stands in contrast to men, who often focus on the libertarian aspects, emphasizing choice and consent.