ACDP Opposed to the Legalisation of Prostitution

Cheryllyn Dudley MP

Thursday, 2 August 2001


Cheryllyn Dudley MP for the African Christian Democratic Party said in a
statement today that whilst the ACDP does not believe the state has the
right to interfere in private relationships, what can be more public
than a self confessed prostitute in light of today's judgement.

She said that today's judgement amounts to the legalisation of
prostitution, which is blatantly taking place in the public arena. Mrs
Dudley asked, "Is it naivety or blatant liberalism which causes the DA
to state that the legalisation of prostitution could or would clean up
any area in light of the harsh facts which prove the exact opposite?"

She said that by legalising prostitution government opens women up to
abuse and facilitates the degradation of women.

Mrs Dudley said that a just legal system never grants people freedom to
harm others and it is beyond doubt that prostitution is harmful.
Statistics reveal that every 26 seconds a woman is raped and studies
show that 75% of prostitutes in escort agencies have attempted suicide.

Broken families and devastated lives are a bitter reproach to those who
say prostitution is harmless, or a victimless crime.

She said, "Enough is enough, it is time for government to protect women,
not promote degrading and destructive lifestyles which lure and trap the
vulnerable and the poverty-stricken. Not only has government legalised
pornography which fuels rape and abuse of women and children, but with
this today's judgement it has also legalised prostitution.

We already know that government sees prostitution as an opportunity to
increase revenue so legalisation is necessary in order to broaden the
tax base. This begs the question what difference will there be between
a pimp and our government in these circumstances?"


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For more information please call Cheryllyn Dudley MP at 082 8906520 or
ACDP Media Liaison Liza Lambert at 082 4781037