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China Should Legalize Prostitution

Dec 30, 2010

Although it's known as the oldest profession, prostitution has become a point of moral and legal contention in even the most liberal societies.

China has deemed the trade illegal. But, nevertheless, since the reform and opening up 30 years ago, prostitution has become more prevalent, reaching high-end hotels, karaoke bars, and dark parks. It fulfills the desires of lonely migrant workers and the high-powered elites.

Taiwan and Hong Kong have made moves to legalize the trade, allowing sex workers to work out of their homes- one per aprtment building.

But on the Mainland, it remains an area of vice equivalent to crime, gambling and drug trafficking. In a crackdown at the end of last year, China's Ministry of Security found more than half of the 650 entertainment businesses it visited were providing prostitution or obscene performances.

Threatened with health risks and abuse, is the solution to legalize prostitution or try to eradicate it all together? Katie Fischer's guests debate the motion:

China Should Legalize Prostitution

For the motion: Wu Xiaolong

Against the motion: Han Peng

Tags: prostitution,legalization,worker

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