I think a lot of folks on the progressive/liberal side would agree with you on the legalization of prostitution and at least the decriminalization of some drugs. Hell, there are even some working models in states for both of those ideas.

Possibly because Libertarians are against any law that infringes on any kind of personal freedom or action?

Laws against prostitution have always turned my stomach. The way hookers are treated, even in places where it’s legal, is just unjustifiably cruel. (Except maybe in New Zealand. That’s the only place I know of where the laws are even remotely reasonable.) I consider prostitution law, along with drug laws and immigration restrictions and the ‘War on Terror’ to be crimes against humanity with which to charge US politicians if we could ever drag them to court in the Hague. (Of course, every other country would also be in trouble, but I have no problem with that.)

By the way, do you know who is opposed to sick laws like this? Libertarians.

http://mistressmatisse.blogspot.com/

But basically, she says that just because some prostitutes make bad decisions that put them into dangerous situations, doesn’t mean prostitution is a dangerous profession. A careless carpenter can saw off his own thumb, but we don’t tell people, “Don’t go into carpentry! It’s dangerous!”

I’ve read the blog of at least one actual prostitute who insists that prostitution is no more dangerous to women than any other profession, and that this is an urban legend created to discourage women from entering the field.

And I know gun owners that claim their firearms are perfectly safe and would never be used against them or anyone else that isn’t trespassing or furry critter.

I also heard the CEO of Whole Foods say we don’t need a minimum wage. :-p

The spread of STDs and other forms of disease is a real risk among prostitutes. I don’t know any other profession where the risk is nearly as high. Maybe fast food.

But is it a more serious health risk than – say – liquor joints or cigar shops or casinos? Hell, what about skydiving? We’re not a risk-averse society. And, ultimately, if an individual recognizes the risks as too high, he typically just chooses not to engage in the dangerous activity.

Prostitution prohibition isn’t so much a “bad” policy as an archaic one.

I’ve read the blog of at least one actual prostitute who insists that prostitution is no more dangerous to women than any other profession, and that this is an urban legend created to discourage women from entering the field.

Just saying.

the additional penalty if you even contest the law in court and lose is obscenely unconstitutional.

Has the Supreme Court ever ruled that? Is there anything similar that they’ve ruled upon?

I don’t know the details, but they have something to do with it having been formerly French.

Louisiana makes the Texas judicial system look good.

They have some insane number of people sentenced to life without parole for essentially minor crimes. In a -shocking- indeed -shocking- turn of events that group is disproportionally black.