Recently, on the Taboo Jive Facebook Fan Page, I made a post to spark a thread of thoughts and discussion around the disturbing consideration by the Atlanta City Council Public Safety Committee of jailing, fining and/or possibly even banishing prostitutes from the city of Atlanta as a way to curb sex crimes. I wanted to circle back and follow up with an article summary to capture the finer points, observations and suggestions made in that thread of discussion by TJ fans and followers…

For the most part people find it absurd to continue blaming and punishing the victim in cases where perhaps the REAL criminals are not only the “Johns” who continually seek out sex workers and prostitution, but the pimps who participate in illegal sex trafficking and force sex workers to participate in a business that doesn’t ultimately serve or strengthen them.

Many of the prostitutes claim to be severely beaten, starved, threatened to die, controlled and abused by their pimps who keep a close eye and pressure on them to be sure they’re continually bringing in money. Some girls are reported to bring in anywhere between $500 – $800 a night, so if a pimp has 10 girls working for him there’s a good chance he’s clearing $5,000.00 a day.

Taboo Jive fan, Ebony, makes a great suggestion and observation with her comment: “A modern and open minded approach needs to be taken, taking all facts into consideration, leaving behind any prudish, backward ideas. In places where the sex industry is accepted and legal (managed, safe, regulated with laws) sex crimes are very low.”

Even though many people share the same approach and opinion as Ebony, only very few places in the world actually put this approach into play as a means to better handle the many deeper problems that arise from keeping prostitution illegal.

Deanne confirms this view with her comment: “Make prostitution legal, safe, regulated with proper protection and OH&S – then fine anyone who breaks the rules as in any other industry.”

Makes sense to me.

With regard to another approach Stephen says: “Yes, go after the johns, and pimps! Just how could a city ‘banish’ someone? Is that constitutional? Even legal?”

Long time TJ fan and participator, Spikey Diaz, takes it even a step further by suggesting, in addition to arresting and jailing: “…publish the names of, the “johns” buying the hookers’ services.”

I couldn’t agree more; publishing the names of the johns is an excellent idea!

Michael says: “I personally believe that prostitution should be legalized and regulated like it is in The Netherlands, Germany, and parts of Nevada. That way, it will no longer be a lucrative field for smugglers because it is no longer illegal, therefore there is more competition thus lowering prices. I see it as, if both parties are consenting and able to consent, what is wrong with a man or woman getting paid for sex? If it is legal and regulated, the rate of communicable diseases will go down among this demographic. I think they should be required to be licensed by their county. As part of the licensing procedure, they have to get physicals and STD screenings. Also they are to be fully educated about safe sex practices. The money paid for the licences can go to pay for much needed public services like healthcare for the impoverished.”

Jesse says: “Legalize, regulate, and tax it. Criminalization is a dead end, it always had been.”

Maryann suggests: “Take away the demand, and you take away the need for a supply. But limit the supply, and you only increase the demand… Either legalize, regulate, and tax it, or crack down on the johns creating the demand. Penalizing the workers is only a band-aid, it’s not a cure.”

Rob says: “A regulated “Red Light District” would solve many problems. With proper rules and regulations and taking the crime out of the mix, having a tax collected and requiring medical check-ups for safety. It is the worlds oldest profession, if someone wants it they will find it. Just like taking guns from honest people will in no way solve gun crimes.”

So, as you can see among these few comments and suggestions is a similar theme of intelligent ways that differ from the current legislative approach by Atlanta City Officials of minimizing the problem by getting to the source (the johns, pimps and sex traffickers), not focusing the attention on arresting, fining or banishing only the people who have already been victimized; the sex-slaves, workers and prostitutes.

If you have any constructive commentary you’d like to add to this conversation, please sign up to the Taboo Jive website for free and leave us your comment below. Thanks for reading and sharing.