Academic

New York Magazine incorrectly argues that what Spitzer did was worse than Clinton

By Ann Bartow

The article blithely ignores that prostitution in many ways involves more consent on the part of the prostitute than even a “consensual” relationship between an employer and an employee. Regardless of whether Monica desired Bill Clinton, she couldn’t have refused him. Although a sex worker might have a difficult time refusing a particular client of an escort agency, and although many sex workers do not choose to engage in sex work, this particular “Kristen” clearly could have entered another line of work. Her relationship with Spitzer was commercial. As a relationship with a clear value and clear limits, it had far less potential for abuse than the quid pro quo sexual harassment of Bill Clinton on Monica Lewinsky.

–Darren Rosenblum

Full post as published by Feminist Law Professors on March 15, 2008 (boomark / email).