The Wages of Sin

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John Crowley raises the pertinent question of who shall receive the moneys (Frauengelt) Mrs. and the Misses Spitzer bring in through their court-mandated prostitution. The judgments under the Salic law that various magistrates have left us suggest they be paid to Mrs. Spitzer's parents and brothers in recompense for their dishonor. In this Salic law accords with the law of Shariah, though under Shariah Mrs. Spitzer and her daughters would probably be stoned after they'd paid off their debt. I think that feminist sentiments in our day would dispose of the Frauengelt differently. Perhaps it might go the sex worker Kirsten in compensation for the damage to her reputation in having been known to "work without a net" (a condom in the jargon of her trade). Clients Number 10 and on aren't likely to pay the same steep price. Or the Frauengelt might be deposited into a general fund for the betterment of sex workers in third world countries, who often live and work in deplorable conditions. Or . . . other suggestions?

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