RIGHT OF REPLY: Decriminalising sex work is the only rational choice to end stigma, discrimination and violence against sex workers

Van der Watt also suggests that sex work in South Africa should either remain fully criminalised, or as a second option, be partially criminalised. The latter option, also known as the “Nordic” or “Swedish model”, aims to eradicate the sex industry by criminalising clients and third parties, instead of sex workers. At first glance, this might seem like a step in the right direction — a progressive step even. It is not.

While partial-criminalisation purports to end sex work by focusing on men’s demand for sex, ignoring all other factors such as poverty, economic exclusion and inequalities, it actually heightens sex workers’ risk and worsens their economic vulnerability —So rather than putting a stop to what is often described as pimping, partial-criminalisation actually oxygenates the potential of abusive third parties.

Advocates of this model in South Africa seem to ignore the fact that sex work has been illegal in this country for more than 50 years, and that in 2007 increased sanctions for the buyers of sex were introduced. Neither of these measures has ended sex work or sex trafficking. Instead, sex workers consistently reportby police officers and violence by clients and non-paying intimate partners.

South Africa, faced with an important legislative decision on sex work, must first consider what sex workers are saying about their realities under criminalisation. Second, we must consider the vast amount of local and international peer-reviewed research that has been conducted on sex work.

Society has no place prescribing for consenting adults what to do with each other. It did and still does so in some backward countries for gay/homosexual people. It is time for society to stop that and only try to regulate it through rules and laws like for any other job.

Dear Sally et al, noting your passionate disagreements. Thanks for the engagement and unveiling the multilayered complexities. Sincere regards, Marcel

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