" I refer to the human right of all women to equality and not to be an commodity to be bought and sold for another's pleasure."

Sex-work is not treating women as a commodity per se; the woman is selling a service - a temporary service.

Also, appealing to equality is disingenuous, as is referring to sex as "a human right", as the author did previously.

While there is violence association with sex-work, and servitude, sex-work is hardly violence per se.

Sure reduce these negative aspects of sex-work, but don't paint the whole industry with them.

Clarifier: I have never used a sex-worker.

The consent of the parties answers all questions of morality, and this completely disposes of all the author's arguments.

Notice how the author cannot maintain her argument without immediately falling back to non-fact and illogic?

"is it right to be able to buy a woman for a man's use?"

Prostitution is the sale of sexual services, not the sale of a person. Prostitution no more involves the buying or selling of a person, than any other sale of personal services, such as a dentist or hairdresser does. It is dishonest hyperbole to suggest that someone exchanging money for sex obtains any kind of property right over the person exchanging sex for money.

As the author's entire argument depends on this complete nonsense, her entire argument fails.

"Having sex is not a human right."

Freedom of association is a human right. Other people's private and consensual sexual relations are none of your business.

"The perceived needs of one sub-set, in this case a terminally ill woman paying for her husband to have sex, should not trump the rights of another sub-set..."

Stop thinking of human beings as herds of chattels to be herded around by the State.

"the human right of all women to equality and not to be an commodity to be bought and sold for another's pleasure."

So no woman should be entitled to any employment at any time anywhere for the same reason - all services ultimately go to satisfy some human want, and according to the author, this must be banned because it's abusive. Complete nonsense

I don't like prostitution. I don't like drinking alcohol either. However, I am against banning either prostitution or drinking alcohol. I am against forcing my morality on other people. I don't regard it as a legitimate or desirable function of government. When those who don't approve of some activity decide that government should ban that activity the results are generally disastrous. Banning abortion sends pregnant women who don't want to bear a child into the mercies of backyard butchers. The banning of alcohol during Prohibition in the US facilitated massive crime empires and government corruption. Criminalising those who use the services of prostitutes or those who set up disorderly houses will have the same sort of results as banning drinking alcohol or abortion.

Make more opportunities for employment and education for women. Take action against sexual abuse of children. See that those who engage in prostitution have a safe environment. The foregoing will either make it less necessary for people to engage in prostitution or make it less onerous for those who do. However, the kneejerk response of, "I don't like it. Let's ban it." rarely, if ever, works.

Geoffrey Fisher, Archbishop of Canterbury said, "In a civilized society all crimes are likely to be sins, but most sins are not and ought not to be treated as crimes. Man's ultimate responsibility is to God alone."

Oh come on po-face. Sex might not be a "right" as you claim, but quite a few people seem to like it for its own sake, and not just for procreation.

Prostitution will not stop rape: rape is not sex, it is a brutal violation. But for normal people who don't have sex available to them through marriage or casual relationships there is prostitution. The fact that it is the oldest trade in the book proves its efficacy and value.

When I was younger and single, I would have been too embarrassed to seek the services of a prostitute. I was a bit of a prude too, and still am. Now, when sex is a distant memory, and I would prefer an icecream, I still believe that there is too much of the nanny state telling its citizens what to do and what not to do.

Prostitution shoul be legal and clean. Taxes should be paid. Nothing else matters. It is not compulsory for people who disapprove.

Ms Francis paints her pictures of prostitution grim. Women are victims she writes, "Prostitution is a form of violence particularly against women and girls. Prostitution is both a cause and consequence of gender inequality. As a society we should reject the notion that women are a commodity to be bought and sold."

Meanwhile, coincidentally, in another journal today, the Daily Telegraph, a different picture is painted.

Why being a high-class escort has made me a better mother
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/rendezview/why-being-a-high-class-escort-has-made-me-a-better-mother/story-fnpug1jf-1227518418865

In her article, Ms Samantha X (no, I don't think that's her real name) writes the following:

"At the peak of my new-found career, I was charging $1000 an hour. I was barely making that a fortnight in my "real" job working long days and taking work home with me.

So, for the first time in my life, I did something extremely unconventional. At the grand old age of 40, I jacked in the real job, and swapped my computer and commuting for high heels and Agent Provocateur."

Hmm, somehow I can't see this woman as a victim really. A predator perhaps, but not a victim.

Anyway, maybe we should all mind our own businesses and let other people mind theirs.

Interpretation of moral, violent and rights has changed greatly since prostitution ever began. There is no doubt women are being coerced, drugged and provided for sex against their will for someone else's greed. These are a violation of rights and immoral. Police would be aware of it but who will identify themselves with this industry to volunteer the proof? Great need to address what is happening, so those who are contributing in one way or another, become transparent in how legal prostitution trade really is.