ABSTRACT
In this chapter, I defend the decriminalization of sex work. I argue that sex work should be treated like other kinds of work, such as nursing, massage therapy, performance arts, and marriage counseling. Though the criminalization of sex work may reduce the buying and selling of sex in a political community, this is not a legitimate goal for public policy because it is not wrong for people to pay for sex or to sell sexual services. Criminalization does not eliminate the sex industry, but it makes it more dangerous for workers and their clients.
