Prostitution is the business or practice of engaging in sexual intercourse with someone else in exchange for money. There are about 42 million prostitutes globally. It occurs in various forms and its legality varies from one county, state or county to another. There’s a wide range of national opinions that surround prostitution for instance ethics and morality, social norms, freedom of choice and exploitation.

Prostitution is viewed as a critical issue by several religious groups and feminist activist organizations. A number of feminists believe that it is harmful and exploitative to women since it reinforces stereotypical views about women as sex objects. Another group of feminists also believe that prostitution is an acceptable choice for women who desire to engage in it.

In a bid to regulate or eliminate the prostitution industry, countries that have legalized prostitution have adopted various legal approaches regarding which prostitution aspects are both legal and illegal and the best ways to regulate the industry.

In deeply religious countries that outlaw pornography, prostitution is criminalized across the board. Selling or buying as well as soliciting sex in exchange for money are all banned.

This prostitution philosophy regards prostitution as violence against women. Selling sex is considered technically legal while buying organizing and soliciting sex is considered illegal. When caught in the act, prostitutes are regarded as legally blameless while their clients face prosecution. This “reverse loophole” is created to suppress their demand.

Prostitution in Canada is legal but with very strict regulations. The Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act criminalizes purchasing sex services and communication with the intention of buying sex.

Prostitution is a major economic incentive for its citizens especially rural and unskilled women. Although it is illegal in Thailand, prostitution laws are ambiguous and not enforced. Common sights for prostitution in Thailand include go-go bars, red-light districts and massage parlours.

Under the federal law in Mexico, prostitution is legal. Each of the country’s 31 states, enacts its own prostitution policies. Thirteen out of the 31 states enact their own prostitution laws and regulate prostitution. Some of the Mexican cities also have tolerance zones that act as red-light districts enabling regulated prostitution. Pimping is illegal in several parts of Mexico.

Prostitution is illegal everywhere in the United States apart from 10 counties in Nevada. In counties where prostitution is legal brothels are permitted and prostitutes are subjected to federal income taxes. Prostitution is illegal in Nevada counties including Eureka, Pershing, Washoe, Clark, Lincoln, Clark and Douglas. Prostitution is also illegal in Reno and Las Vegas. Nonetheless, most of the prostitution in Nevada happens illegally in Las Vegas and Reno.

Germany has a more progressive and organized approach to prostitution worldwide. It is legal and taxed. The country allows brothels, advertisements and the sharing of prostitution jobs through HR companies. The Prostitutes Protection Act 2016 seeks to protect prostitutes’ legal rights. Part of the act includes acquiring a permit for the trade in addition to a registration certificate for all prostitutes.