The Crimes Amendment Bill, introduced into the House today by Justice Minister Phil Goff, will make it an offence to be
a client of a prostitute who is under the age of 18 years.
"The Bill brings together several changes to our legislation needed to enable New Zealand to comply with the terms of
the ILO Convention 182 Concerning the Worst Forms of Child Labour," Mr Goff said.
"The ILO Convention is intended to secure the elimination and prohibition of the worst forms of child labour. The
Convention specifically targets the elimination of child exploitation through slavery, prostitution, pornography, the
use of children in illicit activities and work which is harmful to a child’s health, safety and morals.
"In particular, the Convention requires that the use, by a client, of a child for prostitution be prohibited. The
Convention defines a child as a person under the age of 18 years.
"New Zealand legislation does not criminalise a client for using a prostitute. Where a child is under 16 years certain
child specific sexual offences may apply, however in other cases, in particular cases involving a 16 or 17 year old
prostitute, there is no prohibition preventing a client using that prostitute.
"This Bill therefore creates a new domestic offence of being a client in an act of prostitution by a person under the
age of 18 years, carrying a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment.
"This change in legislation recognises the need to provide special protection for young people to prevent their sexual
exploitation. The amendment reflects the view that prostitution involving children and young persons is utterly
unacceptable in our society. This is regardless of whatever changes may be considered by Parliament in relation to adult
prostitution.
"The Convention also requires that all procuring of children for prostitution be prohibited. The current legislation is
gender biased and only prohibits procuring of females for sexual intercourse with males. The Bill therefore amends the
Crimes Act to prohibit the procuring of a person for the purposes of prostitution with another person.
The Bill will be referred to the Law and Order Select Committee for consideration, with an instruction to report back by
13 November 2000.
ENDS