Prostitution Policy, Morality and the Precautionary Principle

Purpose: This paper explores the contemporary regulation of sex work in England and Wales, placing this in the context of debates concerning morality, evidence and the efficacy of policy. Design/methodology/approach: This paper presents prostitution policy as morality policy and suggests that it remains overwhelmingly based on the idea that prostitution is immoral and hence must be inherently harmful. Findings: This paper presents prostitution policy as morality policy and suggests that it remains overwhelmingly based on the idea that prostitution is immoral and hence must be inherently harmful. Practical implications: The paper makes a strong case for evidence-based policy in an area where morality tends to promote a partial and selective reading of evidence. Here, parallels are drawn with policies regulating other pleasurable but ‘sinful’ activities, including the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Originality/value: By highlighting the moral dimensions of prostitution policy, the paper shows that the drift towards the criminalization of sex work in England and Wales is not informed by academic evidence.