Peter Coleman Right To Life New Zealand

Right to Life condemns the pernicious Prostitution Reform Bill proposed by Labour MP Tim Barnett. We view with alarm that the Bill went through its first reading 87 to 21 on 8 November. It is expected back in Parliament in August for its second reading. All who are against the Bill which Anti-Family and Anti-Christian must unite in opposition to this Bill. It would be a good idea to e-mail your local MP and express your disapproval. This is a low cost efficient means of protest. Also check out our web site www.right-to-life.org.

Our Society opposes this bill because legalised prostitution is 1. Sexual violence against women. It exploits and degrades them and it is an attack on their dignity as human beings. 2. Prostitution attracts women who come from backgrounds of physical and sexual abuse and who suffer from low self esteem. Prostitution adds to this abuse. We should protect these victimised women by stopping this abuse , not by decriminalising it. 3. Decriminalising prostitution will legitimise the activity as an acceptable career choice for young women. 4. There will be an increase in prostitution not a decrease. Decriminalisation of prostitution in New South Wales in 1995 has seen a 400% increase in prostitution. 5. Legalised prostitution could well contribute to increased physical and sexual attacks on women. 6.Finally legalised prostitution will lead to an increase in STDs and abortions. There is evidence to support this common sense prediction.

It is noted that the provisions of the Bill contavene the human rights of women as laid down in the United Nation's Conventions. For example the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 states..."Prostitution, involving as it does the sale of (usually) a woman's body,objectifies and dehumanises the prostitute and this position cannot be improved simply by allowing the prostitute to subject herself to this degradation." Our organisation is currently conducting a National campaign to defeat this Bill with the lobbying of all MPs. Several letters have already be sent to interested parties.

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