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Overlooked & Underrated Docs & Features
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Buying Sex: The Legalize Prostitution Debate
“Buying Sex” is a tough movie to take if you’re a libertarian like yours truly and you believe prostitution should be legal. It’s also a tough film to take if you believe prostitution should be illegal.
Directors Teresa MacInnes and Kent Nason use the recent constitutional debate in Canada over prostitution to reveal and explore proponents’ and opponents’ arguments. My overall impression is that the opponent’s of legalized prostitution have much more passion in their expressions, and the proponents have more logic.
In addition to Canada, the film goes on a world tour of prostitution—specifically Sweden and New Zealand. In Sweden we learn that their law against prostitution is aimed at those seeking the services of a prostitute. Rather than being subject to victimization by the state, women and prostitutes are offered comprehensive social services to enable them to not enter the profession, or to leave it if they already have. Most of the interviews are with those who support this law.
New Zealand legalized prostitution in 2003, in virtually all forms from the street through formally established businesses subject to regulation. We hear from the proponents of their law.
Whatever your views, “Buying Sex” is a jump into the ocean of thoughts, ideas, and beliefs about what prostitution is and does, as well as the impact of attempts to control it.
“Buying Sex” is a production of the National Film Board of Canada, and a First Run Features release.