I must take exception to the learned Judge Barbara A. Mack’s op-ed “Lawmakers should exact harsher penalties for those who buy sex” (Jan. 29, Opinion).
Prostitution (that doesn’t involve minors or is based on force and coercive intimidation, i.e. “trafficking”) should be legal. A woman should have a right to control her body, right? People always say this, but they make an exception for prostitution.
Criminalizing prostitution treats women like children and it violates their right to choose their occupation.
Judge Mack correctly points out that prostitution is the most dangerous occupation for women in the U.S. But it’s the most dangerous occupation because it’s illegal. Where prostitution is legal (as in many nations of the world and Nevada) prostitutes are far safer than in jurisdictions that criminalize it.
Like alcohol prohibition, prostitution prohibition doesn’t work.
Jeff E. Jared, Kirkland
