escort services could be a great revenue all around if done right.And alot of women are very independent,responsible, and secure enough mentaly to deal with what some people have no idea about.

They should ignore it only if they are offered some kick-backs, yes?

This whole discussion is classically classist.
We want worker centered discussion on this issue.
We don't want legalization.
Legalization is like instituting jim crow laws for hookers.

While admittedly, like Professor Weitzer, I too have called for moratoria on enforcement in the past, it is clearly only a temporary situation, and is not a stable or satisfactory situation, since such discretion could suddenly switch to enforcement without warning and can create a misleading sense of security. However, since indoor sex work is much safer, anything that gives sex workers more choice of location is welcome. But even in a situation of non-enforcement the harm of stigmatisation and marginalisation remains.

Farley's understanding of criminology is a matter of serious concern. It is not a question of who considers themselves an expert, but of the empirical evidence. Harsher sentences achieve nothing except to make certain sectors of the population and policy makers feel better at other people's expense.

To criminalise the purchase of sex makes no sense, it is not inherently harmful, but we make it so, like so many other things, by adopting a prohibitioniist stand. Criminalisation confuses some people's personal sense of morality with crime, the infliction of harm to person or property - they are quite distinct.

No they shouldn't ignore it plus, do you think that prostitution in any form should tolerated. C'mon it's not right. No matter if both people are consenting, you're selling a part of yourself to someone you don't even know or even like. When the reality is that every person man or woman that sells themself to someone else is morally wrong, physiclly wrong, and probably going to hell.

Legalize it. We need a major review of all other sex laws as well that involve victimless sex crimes and mutually consenting sexual activities. Too many are predicated on society's attempts to legislate and force it's sex morals onto others. At least homosexuals have finally been given legal freedom to make their own choices. When I was young, all kinds of similar arguments were applied towards them as they were carted off to jail.

Our police resources could then be better utilized focusing on real criminals who steal and threaten us all with real bodily harm.

The oldest profession will never leave us as long as women are desperate and men are horny.

I really don't care one way or the other. I'm just tired of seeing it in the news.

Indoor sex.......hu......what about sex outdoors on the beach? This is great news. Keep up the investigation.....and keep it in your pants/panties.

Why ignore just "high end" prostitution?
Are we all equal in this country or is that one more thing that has fallen by the way side?
I can't even believe that someone would be so insensitive to the common person as to ask something like this!

So how would you feel if you raised a beautiful, smart girl, nurtured her through high school and college, and then she became a prostitute? Really?

Every prostitute is someone's daughter. Why is it o.k. to buy other people's daughters but you don't want the same for your own?

There is no way you can convince me that having strangers inside your body multiple times a day is not bad for you psychologically. It is a hit on your self esteem - you are obviously being used. And many of those men are not all that pleasant behind closed doors. In fact they are psychologically and physically brutal.

Just because abuse happens in a nice room, that doesn't make it o.k.

Prostitution is illegal for a reason. It hurts people.

So now we are seeing the thought process behind the ABC News decision not to release the names of Pentagon and Whitehouse and other government officials who (illegally) used Palfrey's prostitutes.

The upscale gentlemen have decided that "discreet" prostitution amongst wealthy men and educated prostitutes is not as illegal as prostitution amongst the poor.

Just the fact that ABC is asking this question shows how far down the road of privilege they have gone.

And what do you mean by "high-end" prostitution anyway? Does it mean rich johns, or just prostitutes who dress in Ann Taylor?

The police are not supposed to ignore certain crimes based on the income level of the criminal!

Shame on ABC for even bringing this up as a legitimate idea. You all need to get out of your ivory tower. And while you are at it, take a quick look at the constitution and amendments, specifically the parts that require equal treatment under the law. It's kind of a basis for our whole democracy.

To Tam and others opposed to decriminalizing prostitution on the basis that it harms those who CHOOSE to do the work-

How much experience do you have in the sex industry. Do you know any sex workers? Have you ever exchanged sex for money? Have you ever used sex to control your husband or boyfriend?

Prostitution is only illegal if you get caught making a specific agreement to exchange sex for money. So in reality, it's illegal to negotiate your boundaries verbally, while the actual sex act is rarely the focus of enforcement.

Do you know any women who've gone to jail for prostitution? Have you ever been to jail yourself?

Yes, unfortunately I do know women in prostitution and women formerly in prostitution. So yes I do know what I'm talking about. Prostitution hurts everyone it touches.

Let me ask YOU a question, Karly. Are you one of the new wave of pro-prostitution spokespeople, paid by the stripping and pimp industry, located in lovely San Francisco which is rapidly becoming the center of trafficking of women into prostitution and into the rest of the country?

The Wayne Madsen Report claims Cheney is the former CEO who used the DC Madam service--"while he was the CEO and maintained a residence off Chain Bridge Road in the Ballantrae neighborhood in McLean, Virginia, a few blocks from the headquarters of the CIA." Meanwhile, millions of poor women and children are forced to contract and die of STDs and unwanted pregnancies because of impossible "abstinence-only" policies by the ADULTEROUS Bush and Cheney CRIME families. ABC should find a way to release the numbers and names through a second or third party. If a Clinton or Kennedy name appeared, you can be sure ABC would make it headline news. Secrecy and hypocrisy are public health menaces.

Prostitution can be both right and wrong.
As somebody who spent a year in a massage parlour while going through school and has been a part time independent for 2 years now, I have seen both sides. I have seen women who don't like it and shouldn't be there - but I have also seen women like me for whom it was an informed choice that awarded both erotic self-realization and income supplement.

You know, not everybody speaking for prostitution does it because they are "paid by the pimps". I oppose trafficiking and economic coercion forcing a woman to do something she feels strongly against. But I also want to be left alone to do what I choose and what I believe is right for me - and the same philosophy usually applies to all independent escorts.

And most people seem to have trouble getting their heads around the idea that there are BOTH types of women involved in the industry.

ok enough about the prostitution.Honestly what annoys me is that both the men and women are participants, yet the guys never suffer! I think legalized prostitution is a good idea, keeps women from risking their lives on the streets, and in a controlled environment could maybe help reduce the rapes that happen on the streets if it were readily available. The big issue is women "must" want to be doing what they do......NOONE should be forced, so therein lies another issue......

It is well documented that the primary reason that there are "victims" in this trade is because it is "illegal." When our puritanical handicaps and the substantial "Law Enforcement Bureaucracy" can be put behind us and regulation and taxation is a real option, only then will the "Criminal" element be eradicated.

it's so convenient to point the finger at prostitution, while overlooking child abuse and other forms of terrrorism. If high-end prostitution is not between consenting adults, then what is? How many people who want prostitution punished are going to run out and buy a copy of Playboy magazine?

Prostitution should be legalized. Check the women weekly and keep it off the streets.

Prosititution is illegal and until the laws are changed they must be enforced the same for all people from all walks of life. Sex is not illegal in this country but sex for money is. Enforce the laws and be done with it.

I think US should legallize the prostitution industry. Why?, this kind of thing happen since the earth formed and happen from east to west, so deal with it and legalize it. If it legalize, I believe it will a good for woman. They will not be abuse by a pimp and they can be chek up for their health. If the society accept this as a way to earn for living from people,who has chosen their path, then ok. I pesonal ok for that, as long as people doing it they are not feel bad for what they are doing. Thus, accept it and legalize it.

I think US should legallize the prostitution industry. Why?, this kind of thing happen since the earth formed and happen from east to west, so deal with it and legalize it. If it legalize, I believe it will a good for woman. They will not be abuse by a pimp and they can be chek up for their health. If the society accept this as a way to earn for living from people,who has chosen their path, then ok. I pesonal ok for that, as long as people doing it they are not feel bad for what they are doing. Thus, accept it and legalize it.

Prostitution os a huge industry and they will never stop it.. If it is legalized it would probably be safer for the women and they will also be part of the working people and have to pay taxes.

I believe prostitution, should be legalized. Some men have problems getting women, either because of their looks, or because they have a bad self image of themselves, and still others don't even want sex, they just want companionship with a beautiful woman. But because the govornment, makes money off of things that are illegal (raids of cash, and auctioning property),for now are not going to legalize it. But the govornment can make money through taxing the service being provided. It is sad though that they would rather support abortion, or war. If a man is going to cheat then he is going to cheat. By having the state running it, women who are providing the service, are safer. Less STD, would occur, to the spouse. The one main reason it is not legalized is because of Conservative Christianity. If prostitution got legalized I would never have to be in a relationship. Being in a relationship is having to pay for it either in time, or money (birthdays, holidays, and so on).

"So how would you feel if you raised a beautiful, smart girl, nurtured her through high school and college, and then she became a prostitute? Really?"
-Tam

Probably just as disappointed as I would be if my daughter became a politician or a reporter.

By and large prostitution, along with drugs, abortion, tobacco use or sexual preference are matters of personal choice and a simple exercise in personal freedom.
None of which should be legislated in a country that boasts to the world of its dedication to the life, liberty and entitlement of the pursuit of happiness by its people.
Once again, we say one thing and do quite another.

There is a vast difference between those (both women and men) who are forced into this line of work, and those who do it of their own free will. A person's body is theirs to do with as they like. It does not belong the state.

In any event, prostitution has always existed and always will. If 13% of men and 1.4% of women admit to having exchanged sex for money, you can bet the real figures are 2-3 times greater. How many new prisons do we want to build to jail 10% or more of the populace for engaging in paid sex.

Slavery is against the law, as well it should be. Save enforcement for situations were people are forced to do this against their will, and leave everyone else the hell alone. Use the vice cops to fight terrorism and street crime.

Interesting. A high-status male is suggesting that high-status prostitution be made legal. When the "elite" are involved, it is somehow different from when the lower class do it--note Paris Hilton and DUI. Never mind that it continues the age-old idea that women are "playthings"--to be rented just as one might rent a car on a vacation.

America should legalize prostitution and drug use. That's the only solution to keeping Democrats satisfied.

Ron Weitzer is not advocating class bias in enforcement. He separates street prostitution from indoor prostitution, and the latter includes modest income (massage parlors, brothels) to higher (escorts, call girls). We have different policies based on the public / private distinction (in other areas) so this is worth considering for prostitution as well. Street prostitution differs so fundamentally from indoor prostitution, that we need different policies for each.

I cannot believe I read this headline on the website of a major news corporation.

First of all, perhaps ABC is unfamiliar with the constitution, but we treat all people equally under the law in this country. The rich do not get special laws just for them because they commit their crimes indoors with nice furniture and carpeting.

Secondly, prostitution is against the law for very good reasons. If you think really really hard for a minute you might even be able to come up with some of them.

The fact that this is even ON your website tells me that someone at the top of ABC has been visiting prostitutes and is looking for to get out of the embarassment on a technicality. Sorry guy, you blew it. Confess to your wife and move on. Stop trying to drag the rest of us down to the level of what you did.

Prostitution is NOT a victimless crime. An hour of research on the Internet will turn up plenty of research on that fact, but if you just look in your heart, you will know it is true.

Money is a symbol of coercion. People are willing to do many things when they are lured with the promise of money. Renting out your body (or selling any part of your body -kidney, liver, vagina, etc) should never be condoned by society as it is an exploitation of those who are in such a position that they aren't able to see the harm, only the potential money. It certainly wouldn't be the rich rushing out to sell sex (or body organs) were it to be legalized -they don't need the money. If they just enjoy having sex or donating their organs -guess what? They can do that right now! If men and women want to have sex with multiple people they are free to do so, when one person is receiving money to do so therein lies the element of coercion. Just as there is nothing wrong with someone donating a body organ to help a fellow human, there is a definite problem with someone being allowed to sell any part of themselves. What an absolute mess we would be in if these things were legalized in any way. And I'm definitely not talking about the moral aspect of it, only the human aspect. People are not animals to be bought and sold, in whole or in part. There are many things we do only because we know we'll get money to do it, having sex should be an activity that is only done in the context of no such lure.

The comments on this topic include some from several ladies in the profession and some studies suggesting that the market is anything but insignificant but there seems to be none from any men willing to admit to being buyers in that market.

And that is a shame, as it seems that Ms. Palfrey’s problems – and many of Society’s ills related to the profession itself as well – would be obviated if all of her putative clients – and those of other Agencies – were to categorically state to the Courts that, as far as they were concerned, no crime had been committed – a petition I would be quite happy to sign. The relevant principle should be one stated in Roman law some 1800 years ago – just as valid now as then – to the effect that “No injustice is done to someone who wants that thing done”. Or, presumably, who clearly states they want that thing done or will allow that thing to be done.

And while several of the contrary comments including a point made by Tam – that “Prostitution is illegal for a reason. It hurts people” – have their validity, it seems unwise to argue that they are categorically true in all cases.

Similarly, my own experiences as, and reasons for being, a client are not necessarily or likely to be the case for all. But my experiences have been that many of the ladies, in the words of one, aver they have the best job in the world. In addition their experiences with other clients as well suggest a value to them / us that is substantially over and above any physical dimension.

Obviously, the relationships can have all the emotional content of getting your hair cut or your oil changed which, of course, are not without their own value. But if one can treat the ladies with the requisite respect and consideration and has a modicum of intellectual and emotional honesty the connections made can be worth quite a bit more than that. Inexpensive at twice the price.

And I have a hard time trying to understand how some people can consider any of that as a crime and can thereby stigmatize or discriminate against any of the parties in those relationships – though “Exploitation” is frequently given as the motivation for that attitude. But we all use, and generally we seek to be of use to, each other; the question is whether we can humanely do so.

We need only look to Amsterdam for a case study in legalization. Prices go way down. 20 minutes with a window girl will cost you on average 50 Euro ($63) vs. the D.C. madam's girls at $300 for the 90 minutes of materbation show it sounds like.

Victimless crime? Reality check guys. High end hookers can have STD's too. The victim will be unknowing wife or girlfriend that comes up with genital herpes. I'm only in favor of something like this if there are strict health checks like in Nevada's legal brothels.

Private Consensual Sexwork is a victimless crime. I have been an independent companion for the last two years. I have never felt coerced, degraded, or threatened by a client, only by the society who claims to "protect".
The majority of my clients are beautiful men in need of a bit of nurturing, mutual touch, honest communication and relaxation through sexual tension release. In our fast paced world, human interaction is often overlooked. When my clients come to visit, I have set aside a full hour of my undivided attention. The human exchange that happens on multiple levels is truly rewarding for myself as well as my clients and it is within clearly defined boundaries.
If it were only sex they were seeking, a Playboy and their hand would be alot cheaper.
Decriminalize Private Consensual Sexwork/Humanwork!

I love these upper middle-class women posting here telling me what psychological harm I caused to myself during my provider years. I made a lot of money, bought property and funded a long-term business opportunity. Stop with projecting how you would feel with 'multiple people inside you each day'. It's my body, my mind and I'll do with each the way I see fit. Worry about yourself and leave working women alone.

What a load of bunk. Just because a few women survive incest with their self esteem intact, should we now say that there is nothing wrong with incest.

Maybe the former prostitutes posting here really are who they say they are and maybe they are pimps trying to make the case. It really doesn't matter. ANY of you can visit prostitutes in your own town for a few days and see for yourself what you think. Any of you can go to the legal brothels in Nevada and see the gross conditions there and the gross men who run them.

Prostitution, gambling, drugs and alcohol are all industries with victims and bad people ready to take advantage of those victims. But if ending the ban on booze has shown us anything, it's that taxing and regulating these industries is the solution. Ending prohibition was the way to put gangsters out of business. Eventually the industry was in the hands of companies that provided jobs, tax revenue, and resources for those abusing the product.

Keeping prostitution illegal only makes for dangerous conditions for the prostitute. All that claim the act is immoral and therefore should remain illegal are just doing the "holier than thou" dance. They are the cruel ones.

Disparity in application of law merely aggravates an already gender discriminatory government system that rewards men and penalizes women.

John school for him and jail for her is blatant sexism and sexual harassment.

Either John and Prostitution school for both should be the norm, or Jail should be the norm for both if government is serious about gender equity and no discrimination.

I do not think there is anything wrong with it, if it is kept indoors between consenting adults. It is nobody else's business, not the police or DA's office. In Rhode Island it is completely legal for consenting adults to do it discreetly in a private house or hotel room. Police need to spend more time with other things like murder, public intoxication, gang violence, drunk driving, speeding, stop sign and red light violations, and even public prostitution. They should not worry what adults are doing in private residences, as it is private, which is why I believe that Rhode Island is an excellent example.