RADICAL proposals to overhaul the law on prostitution were being unveiled by Home Secretary David Blunkett today.
The highly controversial option of decriminalising brothels was expected to be put forward.
Mr Blunkett hinted that brothels disguised as "legitimate" businesses such as massage parlours would no longer be tolerated.
He said: "There is a growing trade in selling sexual services in premises licensed for other activity, including massage and also video and film.
"Prostitution must not be concealed behind the facade of legitimate business."
He admitted that existing laws were "outdated, confusing and ineffective". Ministers were also expected to ask for views on whether the government should go ahead with "tolerance zones" for street prostitution.
The paper was expected to propose toughening the law against pimps, brothel keepers and clients.
But at the same time it was likely to propose new moves to help sex workers escape the industry - particularly by trying to sever the links between prostitution and organised crime.
It was likely to set out moves to reduce the number of prostitutes hooked on Class A drugs by offering treatment, housing and education measures.
Should the laws on prostitution be changed?
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I do not think it is a step forward to create legal brothels. My objection is not a moral one. I think prostitution is an abuse of women and demeans all those involved. Many women in prostitution are lured into it when they are young and vulnerable. Many were abused as children and this industry recreates their abuse over and over again. Some use prostitution to feed their drug habit.
The men who use prostitutes are in need of help. Many of them are sex addicts (some themselves had experience of sexual abuse as children) and manya are in great pain as they seek to find something which makes them feel more powerful. Paid for, anonymous sex leaves many of them feeling empty and more unhappy as the experience, by definition, lacks true intimacy between the two participants.
Some men seek it to either hurt themselves, hurt the women or both. It diminishes all.
Of course prostitution exists and will whether or not these measures are adopted; paedophilia exists too so does this mean that we legalise this also? It is not such a far fetched comparison given how many of these women have been treated in their early lives.
It would help if the rest of us did not judge ourselves as better than those who are involved in this painful business.
Rather, it would be better if we consider ourselves blessed. My grandma, who used to pass through Manchester in the early hours of the morning on her way to work once told me she came to know and like many of the girls working as prostitutes and often thanked God for her own safer, more love-filled life saying "There but for the Grace of God go I".
Yours faithfully
Ann Lewis
Hi
Legalising prostitution maybe a good step .I felt against it at first.Now seeing the benefits,should be a good move forward.
When is the law being passed and introduced, and if so which areas ?.
Thank you