When discussing whether the sex trade should be allowed, many male friends might jokingly ask why not, but when it comes to the discussion of legalization, most people still find it absurd.
The sex trade poses serious threats not only to human health and family relationships but also to a range of social issues.
Take Germany, for example. The country's sex industry was legalized many years ago. Although it was once banned, the German government decided to remove the "total ban on prostitution" from national law in 2021.
This move has led to the lamentable situation in Germany today.
When it comes to Pattaya, many people think of it as Thailand's "sin city," once closely associated with sex, gangs, drugs, and corrupt police.
However, after years of reforms, the Thai government has successfully improved Pattaya's image.
Yet, Germany seems to be on the path to becoming the next Pattaya.
In 2002, Germany passed a law known as "one of the most liberal prostitution regulations in Europe," legalizing sex work.
This regulation not only provided social security for sex workers but also allowed them to demand higher wages and pension contributions from employers.
Sex workers were able to solicit clients legally in broad daylight and even receive pensions after retirement.
The German government's intention with this law was to allow women who were forced into the industry to work in a legal environment and reduce social prejudice.
However, the reality was quite the opposite.
The law not only failed to achieve its intended effects but also led to substantial profits for the sex industry.
By 2013, the number of consumers served by Germany's sex industry daily had reached millions, with a large portion being tourists from other countries traveling to Germany in search of a one-night affair.
As the number of sex workers surged, the industry's profits began to decline, making Germany's sex trade venues "cheap and cheerful."
Reports indicated that some sex workers served up to 40 clients in a single day, which undoubtedly took a severe toll on their physical and mental health.
Even more absurd, some businesses even resorted to auctioning off women to attract attention.
These women were treated as auction items in suffocating environments and were sometimes forced to serve two or more clients simultaneously, yet their compensation was minimal.
Worryingly, many women in this industry are not German citizens but victims from other countries.
These women are often trafficked or lured to Germany with promises of high wages.
They are not only forced into sex work but also receive very low pay, with most of their earnings being exploited.
Additionally, sex venues are also hotbeds for drug use, with many girls being coerced into drug use in these environments.
Even more serious, these venues also contribute to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, posing a significant threat to society.
Although Germany temporarily banned the operation of sex venues in 2020 due to the pandemic, this ban was lifted in 2021, and the sex industry resumed legal operation.
The legalization of sex work has not only destroyed many families but also impacted Germany's social atmosphere, leading many people to avoid marriage and childbirth.
Despite Germany's overall security situation being relatively good, security issues are particularly pronounced near sex venues.
For example, the red-light district near Frankfurt's train station is crowded with drug dealers and gangs.
In 2022, there were 14,155 attacks on trains and train stations in Germany, including 857 cases of sexual assault.
The sense of insecurity around the train stations is directly linked to the presence of these sex venues.
From any perspective, the legalization of sex work is more harmful than beneficial.
It not only exacerbates the spread of diseases but also leads to many minors falling into bad habits, further driving a series of malignant illegal activities.
Germany's experience shows that legalization cannot solve the problem but rather brings more complex and serious social challenges.
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