The Philosophy and Morals of Paying for Sex

[MidlifeCrisis]

The objections to sex work listed in the OP are a bit of a jumble in my opinion.

It is essential to keep entirely separate the two cases where the sex worker makes a free choice to participate in, and remain in, the industry, and the case where they are being manipulated, forced or coerced by others.

The crimes of trafficking, coercing and forcing people into working for the benefit of others are among the most revolting on the planet, and I do not think anyone here will try to make any kind of defence of those people.

If you take those out of the argument and consider the cases of independent escorts, workers in legal brothels, and other free sex work, I think the arguments against are so weak they fall apart on their own. Statements like "It is inappropriate to commodify sex", "sex is with someone you know" etc are purely subjective opinions with no foundation. If you challenge the people making those statements to state the moral principles which underly their statements, all they can say is either "it feels wrong" or that it is against their religious beliefs.

[Magicman]

When all is said and done with regards to "morals and ethics" it will always boil down to whatever two people wish to do with each other.
This is none of my business or anyone else's business unless one or other of the parties involved doesn't wish to participate and needs help.
This holds true for any part of people's lives not just for sex workers.
Our nurses are overworked by our government which is just as evil a crime.
Low wages (often well below living standards) are a crime.
The "morals and ethics" banner often gets raised by those who are the most abusive.
Priests, politicians, public service, nuns, .......................... so many do-gooders who have all degrades the professions they would apparently espouse.