11 AUGUST 2015

Enhanced Protection for Sex Workers And the Public Required

Workers in the prostitution industry and the general public will receive greater protection under reforms proposed by New Zealand FirstSpokesperson for Women Tracey Martin.

“When the Prostitution Reform Act 2003 came into force, it was assumed street prostitution would diminish and sex workers would be safer but this has not happened. Instead, street prostitution has increased causing distress to residents in certain areas of Christchurch and Auckland.

“New Zealanders should be able to enjoy living in safe neighbourhoods, but at the moment there is crime, anti-social behaviour and noise, unsavoury and unhygienic waste.

“Street-based sex workers remain in danger of violence despite promises the Act would improve their safety.

“Street prostitution remains the main gateway for underage prostitution.

“Our new Members Bill, Prostitution Reform (Regulate Street Prostitution) Amendment Bill, in the name of Tracey Martin, will prohibit sex workers and their clients from engaging in commercial sex services on the streets or in public places, restricting such activities to licensed brothels, small owner-operated brothels and enclosed private premises. It will also place more responsibility on male clients and allow police to stop a vehicle or arrest a person they believe may have committed an offence under the Act.

“Sex workers and their clients have the legal right to carry out their business and this Bill isn’t intended to recriminalise all forms of prostitution.

“But the general public should have some control over their environment and no single independent contractor, such as a sex worker, should be able to override the desires of those citizens just because this Parliament finds it distasteful to discuss,” says Mrs Martin.

ENDS

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