Harry Reid urges Nevada to outlaw prostitution:
“So let’s have an adult conversation about an adult subject,” he said. “Nevada needs to be known as the first place for innovation and investment, not as the last place where prostitution is still legal. When the nation thinks about Nevada, it should think about the world’s newest ideas and newest careers, not about its oldest profession.”
It’s a local ordinance. Nevada’s two biggest counties do not allow legal prostitution, even though Las Vegas is certainly known for its prostitutes. And it’s a state matter, not something that a federal officeholder like Harry Reid has any say-so on. So, why is he talking about it? Apparently, he feels like Nevada’s reputation for debauchery is preventing it from attracting new businesses.
Personally, I have mixed feelings about prostitution. I’m not sure it should be illegal. Yet, I don’t want brothels opening up in my community either. It just seems like it is a waste of resources to prosecute it, and the sex-workers probably are treated better in Nevada than anywhere else as far as being protected from harm, having access to ongoing medical monitoring, and so on. I guess it’s not an issue I care strongly about either way, but I’m pretty sure that Nevada’s tax codes have more to do with their ability to attract business than their prostitutes. And the education level of their work force. That, too, can repel potential businesses.
