Oct 23 2008
Decriminalize Prostitution - Prop K
I touched on this subject in an earlier post but I wanted to address Prop K which would basically decriminalize prostitution on the streets of San Francisco. Now, while I am all for legalizing prostitution this proposition was poorly written and does not go far enough. It does not provide any protection, care or prevention issues for the women. It basically says okay, no problem, if you are beaten or raped then we will go ahead and prosecute the offender. So, in other words it’s saying we really don’t care what happens to you on the street nor will we protect you but we will prosecute if you are battered and raped. It devaluates the rights of these women.
As I’ve stated earlier, I think it should be legalized but run as a business. There should be a city agency regulating the business and as a result provide security, prevention and health care for the women. It would also insure that young girls were not used by regulating the process.
I am voting against this proposition now and until it provides the protections needed to legalize prostitition.
Does not go far enough? Protection? Care and prevention? City agency regulating the business?
What the hell is going on in SF?! Why not protection for pizza delivery drivers, or farmers, or steel workers (statistically, much higher risk jobs)
Why tax-payer paid special treatment for these women who in 99% of the cases choose to work on their back rather than on their feet? (McDonald’s is always hiring, but I guess you can’t buy that Loui Vutton bag on minimum wage)
They choose the risky occupation, then let them have the same protections that the law affords to any other occupation. That’s all Prop K is about: Equality between occupations.
After all, we all want equality, right?
You make a good point. Thanks for reading.
These other things happen regardless, but at least they won’t be arrested and given criminal records. Although in a perfect world the other stuff would be great, but I’m sure that those most affected by it, the girls working the streets, would settle for people supporting their right to work at their trade without fear of prosecution.
With all these propositions, it is going to take thevoters a long time to vote. I say vote no for prop 8 and this one, I am still reading more about. Great post.
Thanks for reading.
I’m voting yes on K. The current prostitution laws are so horribly written, they define carrying condoms as a reason to arrest known prostitutes. You’re right that as written, prop K doesn’t do much for the rights of women at large, but if at least means that prostitutes can carry condoms and go to the police for help without fear of arrest, it’s at least a step in the right direction.
So very true. Thanks for commenting.