Posted by leroy/anna on July 31, 1997:
We were suprised to read that prostitution is legal in predominately Catholic Mexico. This is not a moral or philosophical issue for us. We are curious as to the regulation of prostitution by the local and national goverments. Are prostitutes treated humanly (unlike what we’ve observed in India and Thailand where prostitution borders on slavery)? How is prostitution regulated in Mexico? Are some prostitutes in Mexico also drug addicted, HIV infected,etc.? Have studies been conducted to ascertain what percentage might be HIV carriers? Any info will be greatly appreciated.
Re: prostitution in mexico
Posted by John Cummings on July 31, 1997:
This is my second reply to your message. As I stated in the first message, I don’t believe that this is an appropriate subject to discuss on this public forum. That was the reason why your first posting was deleted. I will be happy to discuss it with you by e-mail.
Let me just say a couple things. First, prostitution is NOT legal in Mexico. Many people believe that it is legal but technically speaking it is not. However it certainly exists and is regulated and controlled. It is definitely not a legal business such as in Nevada ( local option ) and some other Latin countries such as Venezuela. Prostitution exists in every country in the world. I consider it to be a much bigger problem in the US ( except Nevada ), and Canada than Mexico. At least they control and regulate it. It is not a moral or religious issue. It is a matter of poverty.
That is all I wish to say on this subject on this forum. Some of the questions you are asking should be discussed privately. I don’t mean to offend or insult you. It is just that this forum is public and some people may be offended by the subject. It also doesn’t really contribute anything to visiting or living in Mexico. I do however find it hard to believe that you would be surprised about prostitution in Mexico when it exists in every other country.
John
Dear Leroy:
Prostitution is not legal in Mexico as a whole, only in some states. One place where it is legal is Mexico City. There you can find a wide array of services and I believe these are all fairly well controlled.
In the state of Jalisco, prostitution is illegal. However, there are a slew of advertisements for massage parlors, eescrot services and table dance clubs which seem to have gained in popularity since I came back four years ago.
Do the women do it for money or need?
I don’t know.
What is the incidence of HIV infected prostitutes,?
Can’t tell you but there have to be government statistic somewhere because I have heard them before on the local news.
I should think you would want to contact the national branch of the Mexican government which deals with health issues, they are sure to have the answers you are looking for.
P.S. Mexico is predominantly Catholic but there is still the element of machismo to consider as well.
