Women's rights groups bash prostitution bill
2011/10/21 19:20:55
Taipei, Oct. 21 (CNA) Women's rights groups criticized the government Friday as failing to produce constructive policies on prostitution, ignoring the "structural evil" of the sex trade and seeking to legalize red-light districts.
They said the Cabinet's decision in July to amend the Social Order and Maintenance Act to legalize prostitution within special zones was in disregard of the views of all five municipalities in the country.
At a press conference held under the theme "When Will Structural Evil End," the group leaders called on voters to reject those presidential and legislative candidates who support the prostitution bill.
Hung Ya-li, a researcher with the Garden of Hope Foundation, said case studies conducted by the foundation have found that most teenage girls forced into prostitution in Taiwan are victims of poverty, domestic violence, incest, alcoholism or drugs.
Chi Hui-jung, a CEO of the foundation, said these women are actually victims of bad policies, rising consumerism and poor support systems within the family, educational and social structures.
Tsai Wan-fen, secretary-general of Taiwan Women's Link, said the situation of women falling into prostitution because of poverty reflects the government's incompetence and negligence.
The central government is now attempting to cover its incompetence by pushing the controversial amendment to legalize prostitution within designated zones, Tsai said.
In its review of the amendment, the Legislature should insert a clause to fine sex trade patrons instead of prostitutes, she suggested.
According to the amendment approved by the Cabinet on July 13, people found engaging in sex trade activities outside the designated brothel zones will be subject to fines of up to NT$30,000 (US$900).
The current law prohibits sex work on grounds that it adversely affects social norms. The maximum penalty for prostitution is three days in jail or a fine of NT$30,000. Patronization of prostitutes is not listed as an offense. (By Lin Szu-yu and Deborah Kuo) enditem /pc
Source: http://focustaiwan.tw/ShowNews/WebNews_Detail.aspx?Type=aSOC&ID=201110210026
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