David Cameron's Diary

Prostitution is recognised as just about the oldest profession ever and despite clampdowns and displays of zero tolerance it has never gone away; I don't imagine that it ever will.

I have been shocked, as I am sure many people reading here are, to hear that 5 prostitutes have been found murdered in Suffolk.

Despite the debate over the rights and wrongs over prostitution being acceptable, it is an inescapable fact that these women had a right to life and to enjoy life in safety.

Unfortunately history shows that street prostitution is filled with danger. Many prostitutes have been murdered over the ages with the the most (in)famous of all being Jack the Ripper.

Of course, there is always danger for the clients too, arising from the risk of spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Now, I may be controversial here, but my policy would be to figure out a way not only to decriminalise prostitution, but to fully legalise it.

My reasons for suggesting this are:

1. It can become more of a profession for those that seek that way of life
2. It can be licensed and ensure appropriate health checks and certification of such are in place
3. Making it legal could help eliminate the people trafficking that takes place by having employed prostitutes on a recognised payroll or "sex register" if self-employed
4. The prostitute can formally become part of the Income Taxation system
5. Everyone has a right to a safe place of employment...a licensed brothel should provide greater security
6. reduce the risk of 'ordinary' women being approached on the street; clients would then be able to visit "

I know that there will be the "not in my backyard" argument; however the US State of Nevada makes it work by pushing the locations of the brothels out of town whereas Amsterdam might as well market their red light district as a tourist location.

There has to be some sensible ground somewhere that makes sense considering the fact that
prostitution is NEVER going away.........so we need to make it work in the best way that we can for all involved.

Labels: legalise prostitution

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