Time to comment on prostitution issues

The public has just nine days left to comment on prostitution issues being considered by the Christchurch City Council.

A questionnaire to gather public feedback on the issues, that have been raised since the passing of the Prostitution Reform Act, is available on the website http://www.ccc.govt.nz/HaveYourSay and from ground floor reception, Civic Offices, Tuam St.

The questionnaire has previously been published in the Council’s magazine, City Scene (October issue); The Press; and the Christchurch Star.

Submissions must be with the Council by 5pm on Thursday 13 November.

Background When the Prostitution Reform Act came into being on 28 June, a number of activities became lawful that were previously unlawful, including keeping a brothel; living on the earnings of prostitution; procuring a person for prostitution; and soliciting for the purposes of prostitution. Councils were given two new powers to regulate the location of brothels and advertising of sexual services.

The questionnaire that has been distributed by the Christchurch City Council is designed to gather public comment on whether the Council needs to use these new powers.

The Council’s Regulatory and Consents Committee chairperson, Councillor Sue Wells says, “it is important that before people fill in the questionnaire, they understand that it is not about banning prostitution or brothels. We don’t have the powers to do that, only to limit where brothels can go and what signage and advertising they can have. We have focused the questionnaire on the things we have the power to control.”

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