Tuesday, 19 April 2005

Copeland slates ‘explosive’ growth in brothel numbers

United Future MP Gordon Copeland says that the report of the Prostitution Law Review Committee tabled in Parliament this week records a substantial increase in the number of brothels operating in New Zealand.

“A police survey undertaken in 2001 found just six brothels offering in-house services, whereas the most recent survey undertaken between November 2003 and April 2004 identified 93. By any standards, that growth is explosive.

“However it doesn’t surprise me,” said Mr Copeland, “it’s exactly what I and other opponents of the 2003 Prostitution Reform Act forecast.

“In June 2003, on the basis of one abstention, Parliament - in my view foolishly -legalised brothel keeping, pimping and procuring in New Zealand for the first time.

“The next review by the Prostitution Law Review Committee is not due for another four years or so and I dread to think what the position in New Zealand will be at that time.

“I for one am very concerned to read in the media increasing comment from people such as city mayors and Maori wardens that there is a noticeable increase in the number of prostitutes on our streets, especially amongst those under the legal age of eighteen.

“I believe that following this year’s elections, the new Parliament should revisit this whole issue as a matter of some priority.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media