Conservative Politicians: if you really want to "protect" women, legalize sex work!

I think that 2013 should be referred to as, “The year where conservative, patriarchal politicians tried to protect women (from themselves and everyone else).” Clearly this is a sham argument meant to pad opposition while they limit reproductive rights, women’s freedom, choice, liberty but let’s go with it. Politicians want to protect women? Fine, you really care about vaginas? Prove it. I want every politician who filed a bill limiting abortion access to also file a bill to legalize sex work. Not because abortion = sex work, BUT because if you are really going to “protect” women, then offer true political support to people who deserve legal rights, fair wages, fair work practices, safety, and legitimacy in society.* Sex workers cannot access these things right now simply because their profession is not legally recognized as acceptable work, which is total bullshit. (And just to clarify, I do not mean pass laws to regulate sex work, which can be problematic. I mean pass laws to de-criminalize sex work that involves consenting adults, not trafficking, forced sex work, or underage sex work.) 

In case conservative politicians need reasons as to why sex work should be legalized, I have helpfully compiled a short list that they can add onto as they feel so moved. The list is pulled together from information presented by the International Union of Sex Workers, the Prostitutes Collective, and the Sex Worker Open University. 

1. History - It is 2014. Sex work has been around since before Jesus Christ was born. I think that it is about time we all get on board.
2. Safety – First, let’s recognize that not all sex workers experience violence. The ones who do have little legal recourse against their perpetrator, leaving them vulnerable.
3. Fair Labor Practices – Legalizing sex work would give individuals more leverage (legal and otherwise) to fight employers who may otherwise exploit them.
4. Inclusiveness – Society has given sex workers unfounded and unfair labels. It is time we put our shaming behaviors aside and treat sex workers with respect as humans and community members.
5. Access to social and health services – For those who need it, reaching out to services can be difficult, due to the legal issues associated with sex work.  
6. Taxes - In case the human reasons are not compelling enough, let’s go with money. If sex work were to become legal, sex workers would pay taxes on their earned wages, since they would be able to claim it as income. This means more money for everyone.

What other reasons would you add to this list?

- Lauren, sex worker ally

*I know that not all sex workers are women. I am using an argument that conservative politicians created that they clearly only applied to women. I would expand my argument to include transgender individuals and men; that might also explode their brains. It’s a delicate balance.