Prostitution: Should it be legal? Prostitution is known as the oldest
profession in the world, however, many states in the U.S. outlaw it. The
textbook definition of prostitution is the act or practice of engaging in sexual
acts for money (Prostitution, Macmillan 805). Nevada is the first state in the
United States to legalize prostitution.
Although the long-term effects of legalized prostitution are uncertain, the
short-term effects have been economically beneficial. Prostitution should be
legalized because not only could it financially benefit the country, but it
could also reduce crime. There are many reasons why prostitution is illegal in
49 U.S. states today. First, and foremost, many people feel that prostitution
should stay illegal in order to preserve morality. Parents do not want their
children to grow up thinking that prostitution is acceptable.
Worse yet, parents do not want to hear their children say, When I grow up, I
want to be a prostitute. Christianity also looks down upon prostitution because
according to their beliefs, the act of sex is only to be done when a man and a
woman are in love and married. Monogamy is to be practiced in the marriage, and
any violation of this is considered a sin.
Another reason why the preservation of morality is so important is that
people's morals shape the future of our nation. Many people feel that if
prostitution is legalized, then its long term effects would be detrimental to
the United States. The divorce rate in the United States peaked at an all time
high in 1980 (Marriage 56). By the legalization of prostitution, this would
allow room for husbands and wives to commit adultery. Thus, leading the marriage
to a divorce.
