Friday, 24 June 2005

Baldock plans Bill to tackle child prostitution

United Future's Larry Baldock Baldock is drafting a bill to prosecute sexual predators who "prey on our young in the streets".

Mr Baldock said the Stake Out programme on TV3 last night simply confirmed exactly what he has been saying in Parliament: "The Prostitution Reform Act has failed in its aims to protect children, and made our young people more vulnerable to becoming victims of this awful industry."

Police Minister George Hawkins has failed to provide resources for the police to be able to do anything about it, he said.

"I have begun drafting a Member's Bill to make it an offence for anyone to offer to sell or purchase sexual services in a public area.

"That is the only way the police will be able to effectively protect the young. Let's face it, selling your body on the streets is not safe no matter what age you are.

"My Bill will also give the police the power that was denied them by Tim Barnett to be able to demand proof of age of anyone working in a brothel.

"One day I hope Parliament will realise the need to repeal the Prostitution reform Act, but in the meantime my Bill will deal with some of its worst consequences.

"It will also require the Government to provide programmes to help all those involved in prostitution help to get out of the industry and into alternative employment or training," Mr Baldock said.

ENDS

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