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Here is a portion of a paper that was written by me to support the legalization of the industry.
Material contained herein can be quoted elsewhere, considering proper credit to the author is cited. Please contact me for detailed citing information.
In fighting against legalization, opponents consistently use the spread of disease as a reason not to make it legal. However, a look at the statistics proves otherwise. The United States Department of Health and Human Services states that only 3-5% of sexually transmitted diseases are associated with prostitution. Across the US, 60% of all prostitutes tested positive for HIV. However, in Nevada, not one legally working prostitute has ever tested positive since the profession was legalized and regulated. (Rationale, p. 2)
To further debunk the theory that prostitution promotes disease, let us compare the statistics from countries where there is some form of legal prostitution. Canada, France, The Netherlands, Mexico, all have legal prostitution as do Israel, Greece, Denmark, and the UK.
Table 1: People living with HIV/AIDS Deaths Life
Health HIV/AIDS per 1000 Expectancy
per 1000
Canada 1.50 0.01 79.7
Denmark 0.80 0 76.9
France 2.20 0.03 79.1
Greece 0.80 0 78.7
Iran X X 70.3
Israel 0.40 0 78.8
Mexico 1.50 0.05 72
Netherlands 0.90 0.01 78.6
Saudi Arabia X 0 68.4
Singapore 0.90 0.05 80.3
UK 3.00 0.01 78
US 3.00 0.07 77.4
X=data not available 0= numbers insignificant
Saudi Arabia allows polygamy and Iran allows “temporary wives.” (Liberator, 2004”)
As shown in the table above, despite having, arguably, the best medical care in the world, the US also has the highest HIV/AIDS rate and associated deaths in the world. Israel, where prostitution is legal, has approximately one eighth the number of HIV/AIDS cases as does the US.
Comparing the data, there seems to be no correlation between prostitution and life expectancy, however, prostitution does not negatively affect longevity.
By regulating the industry, the prostitutes are no longer “invisible” and will not spread STD’s.
There is other evidence that legalized prostitution positively affects other areas of good social order.
Table 2: Murders Rapes Adults Prisoners
Crime per 1000 per 1000 Prosecuted Per 1000
Per 1000
Canada 0.02 0.75 11.8 1.1
Denmark 0.01 0.09 X 0.6
France 0.02 0.14 0.9 0.9
Greece 0.01 0.01 X X
Iran STATISTICS NOT AVAILABLE
Israel STATISTICS NOT AVAILABLE
Mexico 0.13 0.13 0.6 1.5
Netherlands 0.01 0.1 11 0.7
Saudi Arabia 0.00 0 X 1
Singapore STATISTICS NOT AVAILABLE
UK 0.01 0.14 25.2 1.1
US 0.05 0.32 50.6 6.4
0= numbers insignificant
Comparative statistics for violent crimes for the countries being looked at are given in Table 2 (above). It’s unclear whether there is a correlation between prohibiting prostitution and higher violent crime rates. But it is curious that the reverse seems to be true. Countries that have legalized and regulated the industry seem to be enjoying lower crime rates. (Liberator,)
ECONOMIC MODELS OF PROSTITUTION
In a paper entitled, “Who’s watching? The market for prostitution services,,” Della Guista, Di Tommaso and Strom (2005)) for the University of Oslo, presents an economic model of prostitution. They place special emphasis on the stigma and reputation effects for both clients and prostitutes. They also discuss demand, supply curves along with the equilibrium results.
The authors maintain that if a higher quantity of prostitution is sold or bought in the economy, “the stigma effect decreases and the corresponding reputational potentials increase.”
The supply and demand model for prostitution is a typical one: as the price goes down the demand goes up. (In the black) However please note the change in the curves (in the red) as the damage to reputation decreases, either by lack of concern, or legalization.
ECONOMICS SPECIFIC TO NEVADA
The headline on MSNMC.com reads, “Nevada brothels want to be good neighbor.” Dated May 10, 2005, the article reports that the Nevada Brothel Association (NBA) is asking the state to impose a tax on brothels. Hoping to make themselves look good in the public eye by providing extra revenue for the schools, parks and health care. Oh, and by the way, they are hoping it will give them more security politically and thus more business. (MSNBC, 2005)
“Look,” said George Flint, lobbyist for the brothel group, “if we contribute and do nice things for the state, maybe they will like us better.” But two measures in the state legislature failed and Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn feels it is a county issue and just is not “on his agenda.” (MSNBC)
But, as they say, politics makes strange bedfellows. The association found an ally in Asby.. Sheila Leslie (D-Reno) The anti-prostitute legislator sponsored a bill which would impose a $2.00 per customer fee on the brothels. It would bring in an estimated $3.2 Million.
Counties receive a quarterly business fee from each business, ranging from $100 to $20,000 and a work permit fee of $50.00 per prostitute.
Lyons County, home to the world famous Moonlite Bunny Ranch, will see $316,000 in brothel business fees and $25,000 in prostitute work permits.
It is estimated by the Nevada Brothel Association that the 28 legal bordellos make between $20-50 Million. By paying more in taxes, the NBA hopes to get several restrictions lifted, such as advertising.
It makes good economic sense to legalize and regulate the prostitution industry across the country. Expand the tax base, gain more in revenue, (as pointed out earlier) cure several social ills at the same time, and free up critical law enforcement officials.
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Questions, comments, criticisms and compliments are always welcome
JerBear
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