subject: The Toronto Debate Over Legalized Red Light Districts [print this page] The Toronto Debate Over Legalized Red Light Districts
After the Second Great War citizens in Germany had to rebuild a practical society that tamed the gross exploitation of women for prostitution caused by their need to survive and feed themselves. Legal brothels were instituted to define moral boundaries, to control disease, and to generate much needed tax revenue through this formerly unregulated employment situation. The red light districts have benefits that are discussed in this article.
In Toronto Ontario there are street signs proclaiming that 61% of men support the notion of legalized red light districts. One city counselor, Giorgio Mammoliti of Ward 7, York West stated that Toronto should consider it.his suggestion for a location was slightly bizarre: Toronto Island - one of the most family-oriented spots in the city. No reason was offered for this choiceperhaps to entice more businessmen to use the Toronto Islands Airport. Still, one would think that buildings used for coordinating on-premises visitors and sending out calls of Toronto escorts like a pizza operation would be more appropriate in manufacturing areas on the outskirts of town like they are in Germany - areas that are not within range of children.
Most of the German red light districts resemble motels, usually with three sides to keep things private. Customers arrive by taxi and walk around the windows where women relax in their display set-ups, some smoking, some smiling, and others just bored. They are not part of an escort agency, they are self-employed. They must display a license, pay taxes, and go through regular medical tests. This in itself provides a sense of dignity that's not present in North America except to the highest tier of female escorts who are blessed with more beauty, and therefore more money. They don't need protection for I can attest to the fact that every German prostitute I ever met could probably kick me around the block and back. They do however chip in collectively for security in each city's red light district.
Venereal disease was rampant in Germany after the war and the government had to control the street prostitution carried on by underfed women who had to do anything for money. In addition to making condoms mandatory, the government collected taxes and eliminated the criminal element. German prostitutes make above-average incomes so they can contribute more to society. There is an excitement about the experience of frequenting places like the Reeperbahn in Hamburg or the "Poufenstrasse" in other cities (this is a slang term meaning literally "street of pigs" but used more lovingly than in a derogatory fashion). Many young men who are lonely in this foreign country usually try to look for their favorite girl in each city when they have a chance to visit again.
Social, health, and economic problems always accompany activities that revolve around matters of human vice. The prohibition of alcohol caused record-breaking drunkenness on liquor that was neither inspected nor taxed. Criminals moved in to become both suppliers and regulators of both alcohol and prostitution. The Great Depression made the government repeal prohibition for they needed the tax money desperately. The working women were forgotten and left to work for criminals - the profit would not go to the street prostitutes or higher-class escorts.
The lack of regulation of prostitution in Canada is mostly due to the procrastination of public officials. Like any activity that seems controversial or immoral, politicians would rather sweep it under the rug and leave the issue in the background hoping a successor will deal with it some other time. Until someone places this issue as a priority cities like Toronto will lose tourist dollars (which would astronomical, even from surrounding Ontario towns). The government will continue to lose tax dollars and the street prostitutes will largely be vulnerable to attacks by drunken Johns or their own procurers.
