We may set out by simply defining prostitution as the business of having sex for money especially by a woman. “Prostitute” may therefore refer to “a person, most of the time a woman, who has sex with people for money.” Wikipedia.org
Prostitution is certainly not the world’s oldest profession, contrary to the cliché that for centuries recognizes it to be so, instead, hunting and gathering may naturally have been so because it required working to feed himself (About.com: Civil Liberties.) However, the history of prostitution can be likened to the history of mankind because every civilization has practiced it; modern persons continue to patronize them while the name now beautifully sounds as “commercial sex workers”
Because of the seeming unholy nature of the practice and stigma attached to it, women in the profession are called several names some of which are hooker, whore, hoe, street walker, sex worker or escort, but in Nigeria we call them“Ashawo,” “Akuna,” “Ashamgba”etc. Several notable people all over the world including political office holders are known to patronize prostitution ranging from the poor to the wealthy in every society which is a major reason the business continues to thrive in spite of global criticisms against it.
Many of these women have greatly benefited from this business while a lot have regretted ever venturing into it, it is indeed a happy song for some while it is a mournful poem for others, and still the business is full of attractions and never sees the end. Many of these big men in our societies who patronize them do so discreetly, urging them to keep it up, while coming in the overt to advance sly and non-weighty bills on why prostitutes should keep off the streets of the world, which is why the profession is likely to grow to equal the world oil market or the American Stock Exchange in the nearest future.
Interestingly, while certain countries have officially made moves to kick against prostitution by proclaiming it illegal, other countries have justified it, officially proclaiming it as legal. Prostitutions therefore can be legal or illegal depending on which country you choose to be.
This is the main focus of this article. The question it posses to you now is prostitution legal or illegal?
In Nigeria, several attempts have been made to curb prostitution through arrests in the recent past, especially with the help of Civil society, but the Nigerian society have failed to arrive at a consensus on how to legally handle this booming profession. While some would prefer that it be outlawed, others have seemingly and sympathetically justified the profession on bad economy of the country, and feel that outlawing it will do no more than further victimize the victims. Nigeria is therefore confused on what steps to take to reduce prostitution.
The Italian law supposedly forbids prostitution but this is not backed by convictions, traffickers are supposed to be punished by the police but only very little has been achieved in this area. The country has therefore mostly resorted to deportation policies for foreigners.
At least, we have seen some countries where prostitution is made legal, with taxes generated from prostitutes. Japan is more confused than Nigeria and Italy, in this country, virginal prostitution is illegal while oral sex prostitution is legal. Turkey is also as confused as Nigeria and Italy, in this country; it is legal through government and illegal through streets (wikipedia.org) In Hawaii, prostitution is fast gaining support courtesy of the bill advocates as the profession may just come to legally stay here.
So how does this age long profession strike you, should you consider it legal or illegal? Your view counts.
