Perspektiewe van beleidmakers en -toepassers oor die wettiging van prostitusie

[摘要] English: Changes in any socio-political system often bring changes in legislation, especially where the debate leans heavily towards moral issues, as is the case with legislation in South Africa concerning abortion. Prostitution falls in the same category, causing considerable conflicting opinions amongst policy makers and implementers. Legislation against prostitution still appear in South African codes of law. However, the entrepreneurs of prostitution see this as a very profitable business, the client of the prostitute depends on his individual rights to engage in the activity of his choice, and the prostitute only wants to do her work. The ongoing debate on the decriminalisation of prostitution spans a variety of aspects about prostitution. Aspects like human rights, the possibility of sexually transmitted diseases, and the principle of morality were all issues of prominence at different times. These arguments are discussed here, as well as perspectives obtained from the literature study on legislation in different countries, the criminality of prostitution, and the sexuality of the prostitute. From the insights gained from the literature study, an empirical investigation was undertaken to get perspectives of policy makers and policy implementers. From these, the conclusion is reached that prostitution is a complex phenomena, that consensus regarding legal policy may not be reached and no easy solution is imminent. A factor that may influence legislation is the increasing emphasis on the responsibility of communities in the process of regulating prostitution. The conclusion drawn is that prostitution should be decriminalised but that more stringent regulatory measures should be implemented.

[发布机构] University of the Free State