Legalizing the sex trade

[Jae]

Just wanted to find out the various thoughts on this proposal by Mr. Lascelles Chin to legalize the sex trade in Jamaica. Found here:
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060411/lead/lead5.html

This is a little bit of info about Thailand's sex industry:
http://www.towardfreedom.com/home/content/view/200/65/

[easyskanka]

I think that you've picked up on a very thought provoking topic and subject Jae. On the face of it, mr. Chin's concerns and what he proposes seems sensible and straightforward. However, while condoms are a neccessity when society adopts and persues the lifestyle we have, I do have reservations about what the real motives might be behind the acceptance of the sex industry.

As a businessman mr. Chin might be looking at this problem with a view to profiteering (possibly not he, personally) as much as controlling the spread of the HIV virus and other diseases. Education should be the first line of defence rather than promoting stop gap measures to what would become an acceptable industry.

Moral values should be incorporated at the grassroots of learning within all official teaching institutions so that it becomes second nature to us all, so that self respect leads to all other forms of respect and this should in turn have a knock on effect toward the acceptance of the good/right over the bad/wrong. The lessons from Thailand are that official bodies are ensuring they get their cut of the immorality pie, while putting the gloss of respectability over the whole issue.

[Jae]

Here is Mr. Lascelles Chin response to the Gleaner's recent publication on legalizing the sex trade in Jamaica.
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060418/letters/letters2.html
Ya'll can judge from reading the article and what he is saying on what you believe his real motives are. Personally, I do not believe this should even be an issue, the act of prostitution is not only immoral but also a blight on civilization. I find it very disconcerting that a public figure like Mr. Chin could suggest something like this. I wholeheartedly agree with educating people on sexuality, however, I do not agree with opening a very dangerous 'can of worms'. If it is decided to legalize prostitution, why don't we then agree to legalize the drug trade, Mr. Chin thinks it is a means of lessening the negative impact of prostitution. Well then I imagine that legalizing the drug trade would also do the same in this case?

According to Mr Lascelles Chin, Thailand's sex industry is a model we should consider adopting. Well I imagine that he also would like to see our children being forced into prostitution?

[easyskanka]

Do I sense a bit of back peddling on the part of mr. Chin? Or was he quoted out of context? I do hope so. I'm glad that he has clarified his position and sincerely hope that he has Jamaica's best interests at heart.

Humility is the greatest strength any of us have. Let us never profiteer out of other peoples' misery.

[g2cris]

Mr chin makes millions off selling AIDS drugs.