A historic moment occurred in New Zealand on June 26th 2003 when prostitution was decriminalised. This means that brothels and prostitution are legal.

As I write this the day after the event, sex workers are breathing a sigh of relief as one hurdle has been overcome. Of course the stigma, bigotry and double standards in our community will take much longer to overcome.

So what does decriminalised mean? 

For a start, it means prostitution is no longer a crime and sex workers no longer have to register with the police.

Brothel keeping is now legal, and sex workers can enjoy the same rights as all other employees, like paid holidays and sick pay - we hope. 

But really for the moment, I expect nothing will change very quickly, though brothels will now have to register quickly.

On the down side, sex workers will have to pay taxes and if self employed keep business records..

Under consumer laws, you must be able to do what you advertise.. and you do have the right to refuse a client.