Rogerian pt. 2 of 3

This paper is what I found to be the most difficult. I had to look at this problem from a different angle and I had a very hard time doing just that. I think this paper could use a lot more improvement. Thank you for taking the time to read through all this! I think we must first raise awareness of this disturbing topic and think as individuals what and if we can do anything to help. I don't think law enforcement and those individuals who deal with the most high risk women, men and children is enough! They need the public to help!
Rogerian Draft
Human Trafficking, Sex Slavery, and Legalizing Prostitution
Human trafficking and sex slavery in America is the modern day equivalent of the slavery that was experienced in early America. An extremely lucrative crime, second only to the drug- trade, some victims are taken by physical force, as others are lured in by false promises. This crime is often difficult to notice; to an outsider it may just appear as prostitution. Prostitution is the provision of sexual services for negotiated payment between consenting adults. Some may argue that decriminalizing/legalizing prostitution will help fight the battle with the Human trafficking epidemic. Decriminalization is the means of removal of laws against prostitution and other forms of sex work (Klinger).
Brothels have legally existed in Nevada since the 1800’s. Taking a look at legal brothels in Nevada, the average worker only works one week a month and typically has a six-figure salary (Ayers). Nevada has no state income tax; all fees paid by brothels are paid to the county. In Lyon County four brothels paid $369,600 in business and licensing fees, and $17,800 in work permits for the prostitutes (Vekshin). All brothels pay a room and property tax to the county, and sales tax to the state on merchandise. As illegal sex workers continue to work and become repeat arrestees, millions in tax dollars are being spent to arrest, house, feed, and test these women who are released to only return a few weeks later. It is estimated that Harris County, Texas alone is spending roughly $2.3 million a year on prostitutes in the county jail. Legalizing prostitution will result in huge monetary gain for the United States. With licensing and fees, the economy would see immense growth and taxpayer’s money out of jails for repeat offenders. The success Nevada has with legalized prostitution has proven that it can work.
In legal operating brothels in Nevada, all sex workers are screened prior to employment for any sexually transmitted diseases. Once a month, a sample of blood is sent to the State Hygienic Laboratories, to confirm the presence or absence of infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); and syphilis. Once a week, a cervical specimen is taken to test for other sexually transmitted infections as well. All patrons are required to wear a prophylactic while engaging in sexual intercourse, or any contact or touching of the sexual organs, or other intimate parts (Whitley). Legalizing prostitution would help with the rampant infection rates of illegal prostitutes. By legalizing prostitution, sex workers would not be ashamed to go to the doctor for preventative, routine checkups and sexually transmitted infection screenings.
As mentioned earlier, legal prostitution in Nevada is controlled and regulated within brothels. By legalizing prostitution, sex-workers will be working in safer, cleaner and healthier environments. In Nevada the risk of violence is low. If needed, legal prostitutes would be able to seek help from authorities if customers become violent, without the fear of being criminalized. In many brothels, customers are screened and some are referral based only. According to a recent study by sociologist Barbara Brents and Kathryn Hausbeck, Nevada’s legal brothels “offer the safest environment available for women to sell consensual sex acts for money” (Weitzer 29).
As more laws are being passed to protect the women, men and children who are victims of human trafficking, others are pushing for the decriminalization of prostitution. There needs to be more laws supporting victims and those involved in the prostitution business. After decriminalization of prostitution in New Zealand, street prostitution increased dramatically. The majority of sex workers felt the Prostitution Reform Act could do little about violence that occurred (New Zealand 14). It was also noted in this report some improvement in working conditions, but brothels continue to treat workers poorly (New Zealand 17). Although prostitution is legal in New Zealand, this country continues to see a rise in human trafficking. The government has not prosecuted a single trafficker in the last seven years (U.S. Department of State 8). It was observed that the New Zealand Government had little effort in protecting trafficking victims (U.S. Department of State 9). It appears as New Zealand has decriminalized prostitution, they have also turned their backs on the safety and regulating that is included in this reform.
Prostitution and related activities, including pimping and patronizing, or maintaining brothels, fuel the growth of modern-day slavery by providing a façade behind which the traffickers for sexual exploitation operate ("The Link Between Prostitution and Sex Trafficking."). Sex Trafficking and prostitution imbricate each other. Key demographics are shared between the two; histories of abuse, poverty, and little or no family support are just a few. The injuries these victims suffer are duplicating as well, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and sexually transmitted diseases (Liedholdt). Prostitution is not the oldest profession, but the oldest form of oppression ("The Link Between Prostitution and Sex Trafficking.").
If we were to remove the taboo thinking of prostitution, would prostitution-related crimes become lower? Would legalizing prostitution help to enrich our economy? Human trafficking and modern-day slavery continues to spiral out of control; before we look at legalizing prostitution steps must be taken to combat the flesh trade.
Works Cited
Ayres, Chris. "Cathouses find sex is taxing the Wild West." Times, The (United Kingdom) n.d.: Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 3 Nov. 2013.
Klinger, Kimberly. "Prostitution Humanism And A Woman's Choice." Humanist 63.1 (2003): 16. MasterFILE Complete. Web. 3 Nov. 2013
. Leidholdt, Dorchen A. "Prostitution And Trafficking In Women: An Intimate Relationship." Journal Of Trauma Practice 2.3/4 (2003): 167-183. Academic Search Complete. Web. 3 Nov. 2013.
New Zealand. Ministry of Justice. Report of the Prostitution Law Review Committee on the Operation of the Prostitution Reform Act 2003. May 2008. Web. 03 Nov. 2013. . 1-177.
"The Link Between Prostitution and Sex Trafficking." The Link Between Prostitution and Sex Trafficking.U.S. Department of State, 24 Nov. 2004. Web. 03 Nov. 2013.
U.S. Department of State. “Trafficking in Persons Report.” U.S. Department of State (June 2013); 1-66. PDF file.
Vekshin, Alison. "Nevada's Brothels Feel Economic Slump." SFGate. N.p., 31 Aug. 2013. Web. 03 Nov. 2013.
Whitley, MS, Secretary, Richard. "Prostitution Laws of Nevada - Prostitution - ProCon.org." ProConorg Headlines. N.p., 27 July 2010. Web. 03 Nov. 2013.