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Sex Workers Need Protection Under the Law
Sex Workers Need Protection Under the Law
Decriminalising prostitution will ensure sex workers are protected by the same laws that guarantee minimum employment rights to the rest of the workforce, the Council of Trade Unions secretary, Carol Beaumont, said today.
The Prostitution Reform Bill, a member’s Bill introduced by the Labour MP Tim Barnett, will go before Parliament for its final vote tomorrow.
The CTU urges MPs to support the Bill in a conscience vote.
“Law decriminalising prostitution is the only way prostitutes are able to gain benefit and protection from minimum code employment legislation," Carol Beaumont said.
“Decriminalisation will ensure that these workers have access to human rights and employment legislation, including health and safety provisions.”
Protection under law will help to address the power imbalance between predominantly women sex workers and their male clients, said Carol Beaumont.
“Young prostitutes are particularly
vulnerable to exploitation, highlighting the necessity for
legislative protection,” she said.
New Zealand Council of Trade Unions
Te Kauae Kaimahi
The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi brings together over 350,000 New Zealand union members in 40 affiliated unions. We are the united voice for working people and their families in New Zealand.
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