PROSTITUTION REFORM – WHAT REFORM EXACTLY?

When it comes to the Prostitution Reform Act 2003, men seem to be the only winners judging by the recent sentences handed down say the National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ).

“NCWNZ is alarmed by the passing down of lenient sentences for men convicted of having sex with girls under the age of 18 under the Prostitution Reform Act 2003,” says NCWNZ National President Elizabeth Bang.

NCWNZ acknowledges that it supported the law change, only in order to validate and protect human rights.

NCWNZ policy is very clear on the subject of prostitution:

That NCWNZ does not condone prostitution or the purchase of sexual services. 2004.

The law was meant to give protection to those over the age of 18. And along with that, was the belief that the reform would see prostitution practiced only by those 18 and over, but we are still seeing girls as young as 13 and 14 on the streets selling their bodies

“NCWNZ is disturbed that there seems to be no disincentive for men for their actions when they are getting name suppression and receiving light sentences for buying sexual services from girls under 18, this makes a mockery of the law,” says Mrs Bang

NCWNZ is also concerned that the judiciary have shown little concern about what is going on when recent convictions show men being given a community service sentence only.

“NCWNZ would like to see tougher penalties currently in the Act, applied in the very near future, so men are held accountable for buying sexual services from minors under the age of 16, that in any other circumstance could be considered statutory rape,” concluded Mrs Bang.

ENDS

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