Hollywood actresses Michelle Pfeiffer and Kathy Bates are quoted by ContactMusic.com as calling for prostitution to be legalized after playing historical hookers in a new period movie.

Pfeiffer and Bates play 1920s French courtesans in the film Cheri directed by Stephen Frears’. ContactMusic reports that the risque subject matter has prompted them both to question why the ‘world’s oldest profession’ has been banned throughout most of their native America.

Pfeiffer says, “There is an argument to be made for providing some protection for prostitutes. It would solve a lot of problems for them. They’re going to do it anyway.” Her co-star Bates agrees: “For health reasons, it would be better for people to enjoy those pleasures.”

The actresses are not the only ones calling for legalization, back in April English actress Dame Helen Mirren called for legalized brothels.