There is currently an attempt to pass a law in France making prostitution illegal, not only for the prostitutes but for those who go to them. That is, if you are caught with a prostitute you will be prosecuted as well.

This question seemed very clear cut to me a few years ago, but not now: Should prostitution be legal or not?
Here's why I think it's interesting. Up until a few years ago most of the people who would be against prostitution were moralist and were against the idea of prostitution. But I think the situation is much more complicated now.
 
Against prostitution:
1. International sex trade. The movement of many unsuspecting women throughout the world making them sex slaves. This is by far the strongest reason for such a law. Making prostitution illegal, in a very strong form through making it illegal to go to a prostitute, could significantly harm this awful industry.
This is in fact the only reason I see to be for such a law and why I all of a sudden am not sure would I vote for or against it. It's just unclear how to stop this without such laws being passed worldwide.

Yes, there has always been forced prostitution, but the ratio of willing vs. unwilling seems to have considerably changed.


For prostitution:
1. Men need sex, and if they won't get it through prostitution they will probably get it through much worse ways. Making prostitution illegal will definitely increase rape as well as bad one-nighters and perhaps even the spread of STD's.

2. This could be connected to other laws who claim a woman doesn't have a right over her own body. If we are to make it illegal (which is currently the case anyway in most places) to use your own body in any way you want doesn't that send a bad message? There are precedents though, for example I think it's illegal to sell your organs.

3. Making prostitution legal helps these women go to the police when needed, get better medical care, and a much better life. A law against prostitution will send these girls to back alleys and much worse treatment.

4. Many people don't have time for relationships and use high-paid hookers. (For example DSK, but also many film actors, representatives, Woody Allen, etc.). Even if we don't like this, I can understand these people and am not sure what will replace this.


Essentially, the question here seems to me whether a bad law may be a good way to stop something awful. Should we harm the many by protecting the other many?
My current feeling is that I would actually vote for such a law, even if I feel it morally wrong.