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Submitted via IRC for Bytram
Around the world, there's a growing movement to decriminalize sex work. Last year, Amnesty International, the largest human rights group in the world, came out with a recommendation that governments should decriminalize consensual sex work and develop laws that ensure workers are "protected from harm, exploitation and coercion." A United Nations commission has also come out in support of legalizing prostitution.
But the idea is a divisive one, stirring impassioned debates and concerns about the ways varying approaches could harm sex workers. Amnesty's recent policy drew strong support from public health advocates and intense backlash from those aiming to end prostitution completely.
Understanding the scope, harms and public health implications of policies addressing the world's oldest profession is really tricky. While prostitution - the buying and selling of sex - is a multibillion dollar industry, the sex trade is clandestine by nature. It's taboo. That makes it really hard to study, especially in the United States.
That's most often the case, except in this one part of the country, where the laws of prostitution were totally upended. It's a peculiar story that's largely left out of the current discussion. The place in question is not Nevada, where there's a small number of regulated brothels in certain rural counties.
It's a whole state - Rhode Island.
For several years, ending in 2009, indoor prostitution such as in massage parlors, strip clubs and through online escorts, was not a crime in this tiny New England State.
The whole thing happened somewhat unintentionally. But at the time, it fueled a heated public debate about sex, crime and health.
Years later, some are revisiting the lessons learned.
(Score: 2) by Arik on Wednesday August 09 2017, @10:14PM (3 children)
Not at all. Just basic courtesy to have enough cash in your pocket for the tip, even if you're paying with a card.
If laughter is the best medicine, who are the best doctors?
(Score: 2) by EvilSS on Thursday August 10 2017, @01:00AM (1 child)
(Score: 1) by khallow on Thursday August 10 2017, @02:30AM
I haven't done statistics on it, but for the restaurant locations (US-based) I have done audit work for, my impression is that cash tips on credit cars are between 10% and 20% of all credit card transactions. They're uncommon, but probably a significant portion of waitstaff tips. There are also an unknown amount of cash tips on tour group meals which already have built in tip. That also even greater potential since Uncle Sam isn't expecting it on meals which are already tipped.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday August 10 2017, @04:39PM
What fucking courtesy is that? "I pay tax out my ass, but here is some cash so you can avoid paying your share! And so you can still claim those foodstamps, section 8, and medicaid. Don't worry though, the government will just raise my taxes to cover you."
Yeah, get fucked!