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Jun 10, 2020
Does normalizing prostitution through either legalization or decriminalization imply to men that they are entitled to women's bodies?
Does normalizing prostitution through either legalization or decriminalization imply to men that they are entitled to women's bodies?
2 answers3 replies
I think my biggest concern with legalizing prostitution is that men will feel like they are entitled to women's bodies. Many may believe that because prostitution is legal, it is "okay."
If there were to be a larger societal change towards gender equality, and prostitution became legalized, would the entitlement be an issue at all?
Yes, I personally do believe so. The claim made by proponents of decriminalization of prostitution is that such legal measure would lessen prostitution-related violence and also contribute to the economy by increasing tax revenue. However, Sabrinna Valisce, who worked as a prostitute before and after decriminalization of prostitution in New Zealand, brings to attention the toxic message such legal action spreads, “The men feel even more entitled [to females’ bodies] when the law tells them it is OK to buy us.” Likewise, normalizing prostitution would normalize exploitation of women’s bodies as well. More information regarding this topic can be found on: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/apr/30/new-zealand-sex-work-prostitution-migrants-julie-bindel