I actually know people who have worked in various different professions in the sex industry and it really depends on an individual to individual basis just how “degrading” it is.

There are obviously people who are exploited. So those instances should be treated with the full severity of the law.

However there are genuinely others who enjoy the work and find it more empowering than degrading. So it’s not just an industry full of stereotypical sleaze bags exploiting vulnerable women.

I’m not making an argument for nor against sex work here by the way. Just saying that you cannot treat this kind of topic with Boolean arguments like you have done. It’s a hell of a lot more complex than that.

In my opinion what we really should be doing is spending more time making this industry safer for those that choose it, rather than pretending it can be eradicated and thus pushing it into dark corners where vulnerable individuals cannot be kept safe.

Agreed. Also know a number of ex-sex workers.

Some have truly horrific stories, like being gang-raped at age 12, and forced into a lifetime of prostitution.

Others, actually chose the work, and did well.

Then, there’s trafficking, which is often a nightmare situation.

Not all the victims (or volunteers) are women, either.

I think that the fact the profession is often illegal, makes things considerably worse, all around. It pretty much guarantees that bad guys/gals will be running things, and there will be no oversight.