New Zealand: Christians Divide Over Sex-Worker Law
New Zealand considers decriminalizing prostitution
Dave Crampton | posted 9/03/2001 12:00AM
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"If this bill passes into law, the state will effectively be condoning promiscuity," party leader Graham Capill told the select committee. "Educating prostitutes about sexual health issues, while condoning the promiscuity which gives rise to sexual health risks, appears to us to be irrational."
Little Protection for Minors
Christians from both camps agree that the legislation, which also would mandate prosecution of those who solicit prostitutes younger than 18, would likely force underage prostitutes further underground, exposing them to increased violence and leaving them with fewer rights. Sex workers younger than 18 are not included in the bill.
Alana, who now opposes prostitution but supports the bill, is someone who experienced firsthand the unequal balance of power between prostitutes and their customers. Raised as a Christian, she was raped by her grandfather, who was later imprisoned for the offense. Alana turned her back on God and started working at age 17 for an escort agency, then from her own bedroom. As a prostitute, she was raped twice. She agrees that the bill does not go far enough in protecting child prostitutes.
"The under-18 thing is really difficult," Alana says. "If you are going to prosecute clients for soliciting under-18-year-olds, you are going to force them underground. I believe everybody has the right to be protected."
Copyright © 2001 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.
Related Elsewhere
The 1999 Country Report on Human Rights Practices for New Zealand reported on abuse and involuntary detention of prostitutes in a country where 1 out of every 16 women is sexually abused.
The New Zealand Herald
has a report of New Zealand members of parliament visiting Sydney's red light district for research.
Related Christianity Today articles include:
The Prodigal City? | While 10,000 evangelists take the day off in Amsterdam, local ministries continue their long, personal mission. (Oct. 2, 2000)
Churches Rescue Thailand's Sex Tourism Workers | Protestants and Catholics work against $2.2 billion industry. (Nov. 29, 1999)
The Anti-Madams of Asia | Christian women lead girls out of sexual bondage. (Oct. 4, 1999)
Angels of the Night | A Chicago street ministry reaches out to male prostitutes working the street. (Jan. 11, 1999)
Prostitution Museum Prompts Protests (April 27, 1998)
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