Discuss the arguments for and against the legalization of prostitution. Be sure to mention some ...

In the United States, prostitution is illegal in all states, though brothels are legal in a number of counties in Nevada (but not in Las Vegas or Reno). Some feminists have staked out conflicting views of prostitution. One position is that women must become emancipated from male oppression and reach sexual equality. The sexual equality view considers the prostitute to be a victim of male dominance. In patriarchal societies, male power is predicated on female subjugation, and prostitution is a clear example of this gender exploitation. In contrast, for some feminists, the fight for equality depends on controlling all attempts by men or women to impose their will on women. The free choice view is that prostitution, if freely chosen, expresses women's equality and is not a symptom of subjugation. Advocates of both positions argue that the penalties for prostitution should be reduced (decriminalized); neither side advocates outright legalization. Decriminalization would relieve already desperate women of the additional burden of severe legal punishment. In contrast, legalization might be coupled with regulation by male-dominated justice agencies. For example, required medical examinations would mean increased governmental control over women's bodies.