THE AGE | Andrews government looks to decriminalise sex work
By Sumeyya Ilanbey
Victoria will join a growing list of jurisdictions in the world to decriminalise the sex industry if state MPs adopt recommendations aimed at safeguarding workers and reducing stigma.
Andrews government ministers are considering legislative reforms that Consumer Affairs Minister Melissa Horne said would protect sex workers.
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The Reason Party’s Ms Patten handed the report on the issue to the state government late last year. The former sex worker said the industry had been marginalised, stigmatised and discriminated against for too long.
“This is a valid form of work, it provides a valid service, it’s a service that people want, and we should not be judging people because of the occupation they choose,” Ms Patten said.
“If someone chooses to provide sexual services for money, we should be providing as much safety and protection around that – the same as we do if someone plays football for living, if somebody wants to cut hair for a living.”
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Read the full article on The Age’s website.