Kaya 959 News Reporter
Debates around the decriminalisation of sex work begins today.
Justice and Constitutional Development Deputy Minister John Jeffery says that decriminalisation will be disputed.
This will not however stop consultations to decriminalise sex work from happening.
“The issue of decriminalisation may be a contested one, but is also one that needs to be debated and a decision taken, as the issue has been one which has been delayed for far too long.”
Prostitution and owning a brothel in South Africa is currently illegal as guided by the Sexual Offences Act of 1957 and the Criminal Law Amendment of 2007.
Apart from these laws, municipalities also have by-laws that enforce removing or arresting sex workers.
Changing the legislative framework will be part of the challenge.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development will have to engage with government departments, religious organisations, traditional leaders, and the public to discuss their views on decriminalising sex work.
Jeffery will also have to engage with stakeholders who are in favour of the Nordic Model.
This model enforces partial criminalisation of sex work.
It allows prostitution but criminalises brothel owners and clients.
Consultations with stakeholders in favour of the Nordic Model will happen following a meeting with the pro-decriminalisation sex work sector.
The closed meeting will happen tomorrow.
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