Prostitution to become legal

Supporters applaud Parliament's passing of Prostitution Law Refurm Bill 60 votes to 59, one abstention from Ashraf Choudhary

25 June 2003

Prostitution and the restricted operation of brothels in New Zealand are now legal.

At about 9pm, the Prostitution Law Reform Bill was passed in parliament by 60 votes to 59.

There was one abstention, from Labour MP Ashraf Choudhary.

The bill's supporters in Parliament's public gallery erupted with applause when the voted was read out.

Its author Tim Barnett says it is an historic occasion, and he is very proud of all those who voted for the bill.

Regulation of the sex industry will now become the responsibility of health authorities and local bodies.

The CTU, which had lobbied for the bill, said decriminalising prostitution was the only way to ensure sex workers are protected by the same laws that provide minimum employment rights to the rest of the workforce.

It said the new law will mean prostitutes will gain access to human rights and employment legislation, including OSH regulations.

The Police Association was against the bill, believing it will lead to greater gang involvement.

President Greg O'Connor says at the moment, gangs are kept at arms length, because police monitor the industry.

He says the gangs are already buoyed by profits from the drug P, and will continue to thrive now the bill has gone ahead.

Mr O'Connor had wanted a new bill, that would have kept gangs out of the sex trade.

But Tim Barnett, says gangs are already involved in prostitution.

He says they moved in when prohibition in the sex industry was introduced in the 19th century.

An MP who was undecided until this morning about his vote, says he can understand both sides of the argument.

National Party Helensville MP, John Key eventually decided to oppose the bill.

He says he can understand both sides of the argument, and says he's pleased for the industry itself.

John Key says he is delighted for people working in the industry, that they will have legal recourse when and if it is required.

But he says he has reservations about some clauses in the Bill, which he believes might create problems of their own.


© 2003 NZCity, IRN