By: Sivaraj Pragasm. But even though this may seem surprising to some, prostitution is actually still illegal in this country. Vietnam has, over the years, relaxed its stance on enforcing this ban. Image source: news. This is supported by proponents of legalisation of prostitution in Vietnam, who say the move is critical, as it will likely reduce the transmission of HIV among sex workers.
Image source: 3. Hong also said that bringing sex services into special areas is something other countries have done, with positive results. He said the decision to open a casino on Phu Quoc Island came after many rounds of discussions, and he feels that legalising prostitution should be dealt with in the same cautious manner.
Image source: nguoinoitieng. When government officials debated the ban on local gamblers, opponents of the ban said Vietnamese gamblers went abroad instead. This resulted in an announcement last December by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc that the Politburo had granted permission for Vietnamese citizens to gamble at two casinos in the country; one being built in Phu Quoc Island and a new one to open in Van Don.
However, comparing gambling to prostitution does not take the sex workers into account, many of whom currently live under the constant threat of disease and abuse. In an article by Thanh Nien News , sex workers expressed their opinion about the possible legalisation of sex work. She also said sex workers like her have to deal with exploitation by pimps and brothel keepers. Image source: baomoi. She said a legal red-light district would protect sex workers from such exploitation, and save them from fleeing at the sight of authorities.
The debate on legalising prostitution also introduces the dilemma of whether the country can uphold its traditional Confucian values while making way for increasingly liberal laws. Opponents of legalisation also fear that a proper lack of enforcement could see prostitution spiral out of control, normalising it to a degree similar to the trade in Bangkok, which is cheekily referred to as the sex capital of the world.
