Prostitution and LegislationSex for sale. For some, prostitution is a victimless crime, while others fight hard in the hope of one day abolishing prostitution forever. The topic of prostitution remains a highly debated issue even after many years of existence. Prostitution already existed in ancient Athens and ancient Rome. In Rome prostitutes were licensed by the state and were taxed. Prostitution continued to flourish throughout Europe until the early Middle Ages with the outbreak of the syphilis epidemic and reformed morality (Academic American Encyclopedia 91). In most large Western cities today, prostitution is illegal but tolerated, because the police are more interested in regulating crimes, organized by criminal organizations, associated with prostitution (Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia 94). Other Western governments combine regulated prostitution with public health measures to control disease (American Academic Encyclopedia 91). Prostitution has endured and survived every attack by civilization to end it. Some would say that as long as people have both money and sexual frustration, some will continue to pay others to satisfy them (Bovard 18). Existing throughout the world and throughout time, prostitution has managed to survive, however a growing number of people are starting to consider the effect that legalization or strict laws for prostitution would have on a community. Prostitution around the world is alive and well despite the fact that it is considered illegal in most developed countries (Academic American Encyclopedia 91). Some see it as a safety issue in our neighborhoods and others see it as a moral issue. However, due to the spread of the disease and what appears to be a futile battle, many cities in America and other countries are considering legalizing and regulating prostitution. In Britain, it is considered legal to sell sex, but associated activities, including soliciting, advertising, street walking, and brothel management, are illegal ("Green Light Areas" 73). The article "Green-Light Area" talks about how the British police tend to turn a blind eye to prostitution and persecute pimps and drug dealers who have links to prostitution (73). This method of policing is different from that in America where the police focus on the prostitutes themselves. Brothels are also licensed in Britain. The idea is that this allows for regular visits by health officials who check basic hygiene standards and can dispose of dirty needles ("Green-Light Area" 73).