More than half of Courier readers taking part in a poll believe brothels should be legalised and run by the state.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents said it is acceptable for men to use prostitutes in certain circumstances.
Following last week’s Sex and Society investigation, readers were asked to complete an online questionnaire about some of the issues raised over the course of the series.
We examined how prostitution in the Arbroath Road area of Dundee affects the women involved and the local residents.
MSPs Rhoda Grant and Margo McDonald discussed their opposing views on the legalisation of brothels.
Ms McDonald has long argued that “tolerance zones” would help protect women working as prostitutes as well as minimise the upset caused to residents.
Her arguments won favour with 58% of respondents, who said they believe state-regulated brothels should be introduced although 27% said they believe running a brothel should remain a crime.
While 26% of respondents said they believe prostitution should be illegal, 44% said it should be decriminalised.
As the law stands, it is legal to exchange sex for money or goods however, it is a crime to solicit for sex.
More than half (55%) of respondents said kerb crawlers who should be prosecuted, with just 34% thinking prostitutes should also be charged.
However, 44% said neither party should be prosecuted.
While a quarter of people said having sex with a prostitute is never acceptable, 43% said it was a person’s private business and 21% said there were circumstances in which it is acceptable.
The survey also gave strong backing to The Courier’s pledge to name and shame persistent kerb crawlers.
Police in Dundee said naming and shaming repeat offenders has proven successful in combating prostitution in several English cities and they are keen to use the same tactic to reduce the number of kerb crawlers visiting Arbroath Road.
Nearly two-thirds of respondent (62%) said they agree persistent kerb crawlers should be named and shamed.
Public opinion appears split on lap dancing, for while 58% of people say lap dancing clubs should not be banned, compared to the 24% who believe they should be there is less agreement on whether the trade is demeaning to women.
One lap dancer who spoke to The Courier said she felt it was unfair they are stigmatised because of their profession.
Forty-six per cent of the 149 respondents agreed lap dancing does not demean women, while 41% who believe it does.
The remainder said they were unsure.