Re:Sex workers explain why the Safe Tech Act will break the ...
by karaterobot on Sunday April 18, 2021 @01:55PM
(#26854724)
Agreed that decriminalizing prostitution is not a fix to sex trafficking, or the other attendant problems of sex work.
However, we know very well that making prostitution illegal has no effect on those either. All else equal, it's more expensive to fight something you can't stop or even really slow down very much, which is why I think less money should be spent on enforcement than, say, treatment of the inevitable consequences.
(Or better yet, trying to address the underlying factors that drive demand, though we almost never try that)
I think there are legitimately different classes of problems, and some are better addressed through regulation, and others are just made worse.
Racism (read: systematic racism at an organizational or policy level) and worker mistreatment are likely in the former: problems that are possible to at least noticeably mitigate through legislative changes, incentives, and punishments.
Alcohol and drug prohibition I would put into the latter class: things people will continuing doing no matter how illegal they are.
Prostitution seems like it clearly belongs with drugs and alcohol, though I would love to hear the reasons you disagree.
By the way, I have no idea why your comment got downvoted. I disagree with it so far, but it's a coherent argument and not particularly nasty. It's hard to have discussions on HN when dissenting opinions just get buried.
However, we know very well that making prostitution illegal has no effect on those either. All else equal, it's more expensive to fight something you can't stop or even really slow down very much, which is why I think less money should be spent on enforcement than, say, treatment of the inevitable consequences.
(Or better yet, trying to address the underlying factors that drive demand, though we almost never try that)
I think there are legitimately different classes of problems, and some are better addressed through regulation, and others are just made worse.
Racism (read: systematic racism at an organizational or policy level) and worker mistreatment are likely in the former: problems that are possible to at least noticeably mitigate through legislative changes, incentives, and punishments.
Alcohol and drug prohibition I would put into the latter class: things people will continuing doing no matter how illegal they are.
Prostitution seems like it clearly belongs with drugs and alcohol, though I would love to hear the reasons you disagree.
By the way, I have no idea why your comment got downvoted. I disagree with it so far, but it's a coherent argument and not particularly nasty. It's hard to have discussions on HN when dissenting opinions just get buried.