The Regulation of Prostitution in the United States would be of economic, health and social benefit

The Regulation of Prostitution

Prostitution is defined , as a person who engages in sexual acts for money

Although the extreme long-term effects of decriminalized prostitution are not certain , the

short-term effects have been economically beneficial . This is a controversial issue

because many people feel that prostitution is immoral . Religions , such as Christianity

look down on this issue claiming it sinful . According to religious beliefs , sex should be

performed only between a husband and wife . The idea of prostitution becoming legal

intimidates some people because they feel it

will have a negative impact on the United

States . The divorce rate , the spread of HIV /STDs , and the American perception of moral

values will supposedly be affected according to these people Prostitution should be legal

because it would help America with its economic disaster , it would also provide jobs

support families , and reduce crime

To truly explain the reason for prostitutions illegalities one has to touch upon the

history of the American society itself . Most of the early English settlers were

Anabaptists , who made up the largest number of religionists among the colonists . They

brought with them a dynamic form of pietistic (having reverence and love for God

perfectionism that was a cornerstone of American civilization (Pivar 18 . The concept of

prostitution was foreign to the new American culture . England , on the other hand , has a

history of experimenting with prostitution . During the twelfth century Henry II gained

the credit for legalizing prostitution into England on a grand scale (15 . Regardless of his

effort , his opinions did not agree with yeoman farmers (A farmer who cultivates his own

land ) and London merchants . They resisted this policy . 1381 is quoted as Perhaps one of

the most influential moments in English history (Anonymous . In the early summer of

1381 , a group of people from the lower class came together to take part in the first and

only true agrarian revolt , or a rebellion that involved the people of the land , against the

government . During the passion of their rebellion , the rebellious destroyed the brothels (licensed sex houses ) on the outskirts of London , resisting the Council 's attempts to

introduce licensed brothels into the city (Pivar 15 . The legalization of prostitution was

constantly under attack by the Puritans , and after an epidemic spread of a treacherous

disease , syphilis , Henry VIII withdrew state authorization for legalized vice , or

prostitution

During the early nineteenth century , an amazing wave of social improvement

crashed upon the shores of the American society . Morality was not to be regulated by

outside sources of authorities enforcing the law , but rather from an internalized morality

that gave strength to the individual in his fight with temptation (Pivar 25 . Most English-

speaking countries viewed prostitution as evil and it should be suppressed . Middle-class

women played a significant role in the anti-prostitution movement arguing that

prostitution is sexual slavery , it threatens family life , and prostitutes are principal carriers

of venereal disease . Before 1900 most legislation dealing with prostitution sought merely

to control it . After World...