Following the publication of our piece in the Spectator (“It’s time outrage at sexual exploitation extended to prostitution”), former Liberal Democrat senator David Leyonhjelm hit back with an article arguing for the decriminalisation of prostitution and taking issue with our argument that women are harmed by prostitution.   

Quoting John Stuart Mill, the hero of liberalism, Mr Leyonhjelm provides the following justification for his position: 

The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others.

Leyonhjelm claims that prostitution fails by this test to qualify for government intervention.