Media Release

21 February 2003

Minister Of Justice Needs To Make Up His Mind

New Zealand First Deputy leader Peter Brown is calling on the Minister of Justice, to stop having a bob each way on the prostitution bill and make a firm decision.

“Mr Goff has been quoted as saying the bill is lassez faire at the moment and it provides no control. He also says we have the reality of brothels now that are operated by gang members,” said Mr Brown.

“All of this suggests that Mr Goff’s fear of uncontrolled sex trade would lead him to vote against the Prostitution Reform Bill, but no, Mr Goff appears to have voted in support of his liberal colleagues and against his own principles.

“It is totally inappropriate for the Minister of Justice to vote in favour of this bill, even if he wants amendments made – amendments that were dismissed by the Select Committee, of which his own party has a majority vote.

“I’m calling on the Minister of Justice to display some moral fortitude and change his vote when the bill next comes before the House,” said Mr Brown.

ENDS

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