Date: 6 January 2009
Enquiries: Martin Coltman
Cell: 079 717 3619
Another European country outlaws prostitution
Norway is the latest European country to outlaw the buying of sex. This follows similar laws that have been passed in other Scandinavian countries namely, Sweden and Finland.
The Norwegian authorities say they want to stamp out sex tourism and street prostitution. "Buying sex is unacceptable because it favors human trafficking and forced prostitution," the Deputy Justice Minister was quoted as saying.
Citizens of Norway who are caught buying sex at home or even in other countries, will face hefty fines and could go to jail for up to six months.
The tough new measures go further than similar ones introduced by other Scandinavian countries. Norwegian police have been authorized to even use wire-tapping devices to gather evidence.
The government launched a publicity campaign before the law came into force. Prostitutes have been offered access to free education and health treatment for those with alcohol or drug problems.
Doctors for Life International, applauds the Norwegian Government for acknowledging that prostitution is a front for human trafficking and for passing these new laws to protect their citizens.
We call on all South Africans to take note of the international trend regarding laws on prostitution. Let’s learn from those who have learnt from experience. Prostitution promotes human trafficking, child abuse and organized crime and must remain a crime
Doctors for Life International, represents more than 1500 medical doctors and is involved in helping people exit prostitution through a fulltime centre in the Point area, Durban.
DFL has commented extensively on these issues and has also made submissions to the Constitutional Court and the Law Reform Commission. For more information visit www.dfl.org.za
