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Brief Update on Decriminalisation of Sex Work in New Zealand (2008.06.25)

Recently, there are more and more discussions about decriminalization of sex work in Hong Kong. In New Zealand, a review was conducted on the Prostitution Reform Act 2003 (PRA) after its commencement, in June 2003. While not endorsing or morally sanctioning prostitution or its use, the PRA created a framework to safeguard the human rights of sex workers; protect them from exploitation; promote the welfare and occupational health and safety of sex workers; contribute to public health; and prohibit the use in prostitution of persons below 18 years of age.

So, what's the impact of decriminalization of sex work? The report published on 25 June 2008 became a focus of the country. A conference was held in New Zealand to celebrate the 5th year anniversary of decriminalization of sex work. Those who attended included councilors, brothel owners, Catholic sisters and experts on sexual health etc. Helen Clark, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, indicated that the success brought by decriminalization of sex work helped sex workers fight for their human rights.

The report also revealed the following:

-- There was no significant increase or decrease in the number of workers in the sex industry, including street walkers; one-woman apartments and brothels etc.

-- Sex workers, especially those working on the streets, were more willing to report crime cases to the police. However, the research showed that the number of prosecuted cases had not increased. More than 90% of sex workers expressed that they entitled the same rights as other citizens.

-- The police's attitudes towards sex workers had changed. In some districts, police officers became more friendly. However, illegal brothels were still targeted and police conducted raids.

-- The courts were inclined to declare judicially that sex workers were entitled to same right as any other citizens.

-- Sex workers became less worried about being arrested, and thus more willing to report to the police after being attacked.

-- The condom using rate was high. But the sex industry claimed that it had nothing to do with decriminalization of sex work, and that since the 80s, sex workers had shown more concern to their health.

-- 93% of the sex workers indicated that the reason for entering the industry was for money.

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