Monday, 19th November 2007
Swedish prostitution law model for New Zealand
Independent MP Gordon Copeland today said that the enormous success of the 1999 reform of prostitution law in Sweden
provides a model for New Zealand to follow.
"Swedish Officials have reported that the new law, the only one of its kind in the world, is an incredible success
story," said Mr Copeland.
"The Swedish law criminalises the purchase or brokering of sexual services and provides for up to six years in prisons
for pimps. On the other hand the selling of sex has been decriminalised since the goal of the new law is to assist the
women, who are frequently emotionally and physically imperilled, out of the industry altogether."
"Stockholm, with a population of 1.9million, now has only between 105 and 130 women prostitutes - whether on the
internet or on the street. It is way less than the number of prostitutes we have on the streets in Manukau City, with a
population of just 335,000, let alone the number in brothels small and large."
Mr Copeland said that the Swedish law change in 1999 was a result of a decade long campaign by the women of Sweden and
an increasing number of female MPs in the Swedish Parliament.
"My experience in New Zealand is the same. More and more women are beginning to realise that prostitution is an aspect
of male violence against women and that gender equality will remain unattainable so long as men buy, sell, and exploit
women through prostitution."
"My party, Future New Zealand, will seek to repeal New Zealand's failed Prostitution Reform Act, and move to adopt the
Swedish model."
ENDS