Photo; JANIE BARRETT
The call for a review of whether sex work should be decriminalised in Victoria is a welcome step and one that is sure to generate its share of heated discussion. In its most transactional form, prostitution is the exchange of sexual services for payment no different to many other types of work. In reality, that has never been the case. Often enveloped in debates involving human rights, mental and physical health, morals, drug use, human trafficking, coercion and violence, it’s an occupation that governments have struggled to deal with for more than a century.
As Victoria stands today, street prostitution is a crime but selling sex at registered brothels, escort agencies, or as a private sex worker is permitted under strict licensing conditions enforceable with fines and even jail. The complex regulations include laws making it illegal for self-employed private sex workers to take a client into their home or a motel without council permits or licensing approval. Faced with stigma, few bother to jump through the hoops which, fearing detection, discourages them to seek assistance if needed from health services or police…
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The Andrews government review, to be led by Reason Party MP and sex worker advocate Fiona Patten, will make a call on whether the removal of criminal penalties would provide a better outcome for prostitutes.
Read the full article on the Age’s website.
