Prostitution is said to be the world's oldest profession and a century ago it was illegal in most countries. Holland and the Nordic countries were the first to allow legal brothels and gradually laws relaxed in many countries. Today it is still an offence in many American state jurisdictions and here in Australia we have a variety of state laws but it is widely not illegal for a woman to sell her body for money.
Strangely, when female prostitution got law relief this did not extend to homosexuality. In today's Russia the state is hounding both male and female homosexuality, but seems indifferent to female hookers selling their wares. All aspects of the sex trade are usually fully prohibited in most Islamic countries - and in some cases getting caught may invoke the death penalty.
A new twist in the outlook on morality has arisen when SBS used it's judgement to allow one advertisement to go to air - while banning another. The one that was banned was aimed at marriage and claimed that kids enjoy a better and well balanced life when their parents are both a mum and a dad. It was clearly promoting traditional marriage and disparaging same sex couples.
The ad that got the nod was virtually a dating service for married men and women who wanted to have an affair. It was similar to the traditional introductory dating service for singles, except that it unmistakeably coupled those who wished to cheat on their partner with a willing accomplice. This was a business venture and a fee would be charged for the service provided.
Clearly, this is not illegal, but many would consider it immoral, and yet it is simply a way of serving that age old matter of "supply and demand ". Since Biblical days the lure of illicit sex has wrecked families - and in some cases led to war between countries. Cleopatra and Helen of Troy were women who attracted powerful men. Their liaisons caused the clash of armies - and in today's world sex problems are the given reason in many divorce cases.
Unfortunately, interest in sex varies widely and it is often a disaster if a marriage mates one person indifferent to sex with another who has a wide sexual drive. If this causes an unhappy marriage it is usually detrimental to family life and the happiness of any children of that union. Society's answer seems to be - divorce and try again ! Now there seems to be a suggestion that if the marriage is otherwise happy - release can be found with casual sex with another party and all this service is doing is making the necessary connections.
No doubt the churches are horrified that this is being advertised because it will surely interest some people because of the anonymity it offers. If sex can be contracted by a discreet phone call it is surely better - and safer - than attending known "pickup "bars in pubs or other sex hot spots. Many who would not consider such action may be tempted. If it gains traction, competition from rival competitors seems inevitable.
That old saying "Who dares wins " applies ! Someone with imagination grasped the nettle and invested his or her money to promote a service that simply did not exist. The holy grail for any entrepreneur is to find an under supplied market - and fill that gap. Just another step on the long journey that sex is leading us !
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