I agree with raising the age for legal prostitution. I think younger women are still a bit naive and susceptible to being manipulated.

By Buzzer | April 15, 2010 3:29 PM

I don't know which is better, illegal or legal prostitution. I guess legal for protection and medical care. But the real crime is in the pimps and the johns.

By Tom Vitale | April 15, 2010 4:28 PM

Isn't this controversial legislation that should be on moratorium.

By Marc | April 15, 2010 5:18 PM

Raise it to 45, then nobody will look for a prostitute

By v | April 16, 2010 7:54 AM

I think it's a good idea. I come from Eastern Europe, where many young girls, attracted by the mirage of the West, end up as prostitutes here. Prostitution should be a choice profession, not the last resort for survival. I think everyone would be happy, including the customers.

By stingo | April 16, 2010 9:22 AM

A national register for prostitutes and meeting with officials first, ID cards, raising the age, all great ideas.

I think most people in the Netherlands are never really directly exposed to this part of their culture. Most of these workers are not from modern wealthy countries, few speak Dutch or English, and they do not see the light of day but from their work area. Most all taxes earned directly from this and the drug business should go towards helping the sex workers, addicts, and making this a shining safe example for the rest of the world. With the type of money generated from these industries allot of good could be done above and beyond posting almost equal crime and user stats. Using more than a fraction of the taxes from these businesses for other purposes makes everyone a pusher and a pimp.

By exjohn | April 16, 2010 9:53 AM

As a matter of personal rights I feel this is wrong. At 18 one is legally an adult, you can die for the military, vote, own a home but not allowing women/men to do what they want with their bodies. My motto, if you got it flaunt it! These people are now losing years of top pay in their field.

By Paul Martin | April 16, 2010 11:50 AM

This move will certainly create more work for counterfeiters, police, lawyers, and the courts.

Are Dutch prostitutes also issued official receipt books? If not, that should be next on the to-do list.

How strange that parents are allowed to subject grade school children to years of unwanted and often injurious athletic training in the faint hope of a big payoff in prize money or endorsements years down the line (see Andre Agassi's memoir, for instance), yet an 18-year old isn't allowed to decide how and with whom to have sexual intercourse.

How would it be if youngsters were "protected" from the ordeal of daily athletic training until they reach the age of 21?

By otropogo | April 19, 2010 6:34 PM