Have you ever heard someone say that escorts work in the oldest profession in the world? Whether it is approved or not by the rest of the people, many say that. But if this job is so old, why is there an obvious stigma for the perpetuation of sex workers?
Instead of throwing frustrations, superficial opinions and indoctrinated thoughts on people who, like the rest, have the right to choose whatever job they want, the effort and attention could be redirected to human rights, as well as to their safety and protection.
Recognition of sex work as work
Many people who find themselves in the middle of the crowd shouting slogans against the decriminalization of the sex industry do not know its meaning, being only bearers of old-fashioned opinions or new-fashioned feminist thoughts.
Why shouldn't sex work be decriminalized? "Because it's bad." Well, how about not pointing fingers at people "because of reason" and seeing the reality behind the criminalization of paid sex, as well as the benefits of stopping the bans around it?
If the criminal prosecution for sex work is eliminated, this job is recognized as work, right? Therefore, workers' rights are protected, allowing them to have higher standards of health and safety. Moreover, living without stigma or fear of violence are also aspects that can be changed by decriminalization, right?
So decriminalizing this industry allows sex workers to do their job, just like any other free agent who does not break the law. Specifically, this action eliminates criminal charges, without removing all the laws surrounding this issue.
But what are the good aspects of returning workers' rights and making them free agents?
Bad women vs. Bad laws: criminalization and stigmatization endanger sex workers
Some people believe that sex work exploits women, bringing them violence and male domination over their bodies and traumatizing them both physically and mentally. If they are constrained, yes !, I could not agree more. But for many women, sex work is a choice. Their choice!
And this is one of the benefits of decriminalization in this case: it can STOP HUMAN TRAFFICKING! While many women enter this industry voluntarily, there are some who are forced, but most of them are not offered any help and, to be honest, do not usually ask for it because they are threatened with prosecution.
So wouldn't it be better if women in need could work with law enforcement? Due to their criminal status, many escorts do not even think about going to the police, believing that no measures will be taken to help them. And, unfortunately, in many parts of the world, law enforcement is more concerned with eliminating this profession instead of making the world a safer place for people, regardless of their career choice.
Yes, the sad truth is that there are countries where sex workers are abused in many ways, including rape or beatings, and because of their status, there are no laws and even grounds for STOPPING ABUSE AND VIOLENCE. If sex work is decriminalized, many women can be saved from abusive clients, third parties and even police officers.
Only rights can stop mistakes, so ... What about human rights?
There are many marginalized groups in the world, and sex workers are one of them. Does criminalization support marginalization, stigmatization, and do you know where these problems lead? Nothing but create chaos among sex workers, as well as put them in all sorts of dangers!
In addition to the fact that decriminalization is RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND PERSONAL DIGNITY, it can also solve a very worrying problem in terms of health and safety. A major obstacle to access to HEALTH SERVICES has been encountered by many sex workers due to criminalization. Whether it was health workers or just the system, it doesn't really matter, because the problem is the same in every case: why isn't the life of a sex worker as important as the life of any other worker?
So moving sex workers out of the "black zone" will make the industry a healthier place, and this is a positive action for customers as well. The risk of sexually transmitted diseases would become much lower if this business is regulated.
Moreover, decriminalization is a step in the destruction of DISCRIMINATION and the result of having a criminal record. In many countries, people convicted of sex offenses are denied WORK. So what if a sex worker wants to change jobs? It would be almost impossible to find anything else and even take advantage of her RIGHT TO A GOOD EDUCATION!
In conclusion, decriminalization of commercial and consensual sex is a huge step in destroying violence against sex workers, giving them access to justice, health services, restoring the right to sexual autonomy, killing discrimination and ending the marginalization and isolation of sex workers, and limiting -the options.
Yes, judgment comes with human nature. We do not approve of many of the decisions made by people we know or love. But that doesn't mean we're right, and they're wrong, isn't it? As long as people do not harm others, they have the RIGHT to CHOOSE what to wear, what to eat and what to do to live.
You may not agree that someone wants to work in the sex industry just as your parents may disagree with the fact that you are independent. But the fact that you're not wearing a suit, you don't wake up at 7 in the morning and take the train to go to an office doesn't make you a murderer, does it?
