Readers react to a column by Basheera Agyeman advocating for the legalization of prostitution. In Washington, the penalty for prostitution is up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Agyeman argues that instead of punishing women who use their bodies to provide a service, we should protect sex workers and regulate the industry. Legalizing prostitution gives women the ability to make their own choices.

Read the full column here.

Jeremy M. Frank: “That is like saying cocaine sellers know what they are doing and therefore don’t insult their intelligence. Bans on prostitutions are based on the principle that sex is not a product.”

Paul Carmona: “… We could legalize prostitution, resulting in more “equality” for women. But I do not support these things because, my American culture, wills me to be better. My American culture demands that I leave this country better than when I came to it. … Legalizing prostitution would result in an industry that is damaging to women becoming more prevalent. In my American culture, that cannot stand. If I am ever given the opportunity to vote on an initiative legalizing prostitution, I will surely vote no. Trying to protect women from prostitution by banning it is not an insult and does not devalue the intelligence of women.”

Mimi Price: “Great article. I would have loved to have seen a quote from a sex worker. Legal online sex work is incredibly popular and many women and men choose to do it for extra money on the side. But there is so much stigma around sex as a non-private action that it would difficult for many sex workers to openly identify themselves.”

Editor’s note: The comments used in reader reactions are selected from public responses to stories on The Daily Evergreen’s Facebook page. The names listed with the comments are those provided as the individual’s identity on Facebook.