The article argues against prostitution, framing it as fundamentally incompatible with human rights and the pursuit of gender equality. It posits that prostitution perpetuates inequality by treating women as commodities and exacerbates violence against women, including an increase in child prostitution and sex crimes. The article highlights that many enter prostitution out of economic necessity rather than genuine consent, often with backgrounds of child abuse, and critiques the notion that prostitution is a viable solution to women’s poverty.
The failure of legalizing prostitution in various places such as Amsterdam, New Zealand, and Victoria, Australia, is cited, noting increases in sex trafficking and organized crime involvement. In contrast, the article praises the Nordic Model, which penalizes buyers of sex while providing support for those sold in prostitution, noting its success in reducing prostitution and harm to women in countries that have adopted it.
The article challenges the criminalization of those sold in prostitution, drawing parallels to victims of other forms of exploitation who are not blamed for their circumstances. It concludes by asserting that prostitution undermines societal progress towards gender equality, viewing its abolition as the only path forward to ensure women’s rights and dignity.
Author: Dianne Post
Full Article: Prostitution
