Legalization vs Decriminalization: What’s the difference?

Decriminalization refers to the removal of criminal penalties for the buying and selling of sexual acts, specifically those categorized as prostitution.

Legalization means the regulation of the sex trade for consenting adults. So depending on the country’s specific legalities, both the worker and the client can and do still face unfair repercussions for selling/buying sex, even in cases that don’t victimize either party.

Why decriminalize specifically?

With Decriminalization, sex workers receive the same protection and recognition as workers in other industries.

“Won’t decriminalization encourage more exploitation?”

One may think legal limits on sex work for adults would hinder say sex trafficker’s and pimp’s abilities to abuse sex workers— however, this is not the case. Because sex work is so stigmatized both socially and legally, sex workers are less incentivized to get help from the systems that are meant to prevent their exploitation. Think about it: if you are being abused by a “pimp” or dangerous client but you yourself could face penalties just for being a sex worker, why would you risk it? Historically, sex workers have had to face a double edged sword.