The Law and You
A historic moment occurred
in New Zealand on June 26th 2003 when prostitution was decriminalised. This
means that brothels and prostitution are legal.
We will add info on other countries as it
becomes available.
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.. but do have the rights to refuse clients.
