Sex work is not job creation - readers

Published Sep 14, 2009

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By Ainsley Daniels

The Congress of South African Trade Unions has called for prostitution to be decriminalised and unionised in a draft document due to be discussed at the union's 10th conference in Midrand on September 21.

Most IOL readers thought that sex work should not be considered as job creation.

IOL asked its readers: Should sex work be seen as job creation?

Of the 1 094 people who participated in the 72 percent (783 votes) said "No", and 28 percent (311 votes) said "Yes".

Here are some of the comments posted online:

James: No. Prostitution is morally reprehensible. How can one condone sex outside of marriage? I suppose the same way South Africans condone murder of unborn babies. I see that Cosatu and the majority of the people on this poll have the same "high" moral values.

Steven: What a great idea! These "workers" would have the opportunity to pay taxes and be tested which currently isn't happening. Working for a boss is very similar to prostitution anyways, it's just your mind they're using and not your body.

Graham F: Only if it is legalised, taken off the streets and controlled brothels set up that have regular health & hygiene checks and comply with all the labour and tax laws. Presumably COATU want to unionise and get "freebies"

Jack of the peasants: This is sick. We must not resort to our animalistic nature, therein lies the greatest danger. Especially using it as a tool to generate income and using it to better the unemployed statistics. How can we promote this in society? men are horny creatures, yes, but they aren't animals, they can control their urges without need of prostitutes.

Leigh: No, no and no! With HIV and Aids so prelevant in this country alone, how can COSATU even consider legalising prostitution! LL says it all. You know how it goes in this country. Everyone is an opportunist and we will soon see other "rubbish" demanding the same rights. As it is this country is in a load of trouble. What are you thinking COSATU? Oh sorry, you obviously weren't!

Anonymous:This is demeaning of the human being and what the body was created for especially the women. Sex was created for a purpose not for sale. The outcome of irresponsible sex then leads to legalizing the murder of innocent babies. We are telling our children, its ok to sell your body whether you get AIDS, pregnant etc, its ok! So what will happen at this rate 10-20 years from now?

M Chakana: If one could say "sex work should be seen as job creation" this means a craziness because thousands of people are dieing everyday due HIV/AIDS then this philosophy is frustrated and is destroying opportunities to develop the nation.

JennyN: Prostitution has been around since the beginning of time, but its a degrading and humiliating way to make a living in anyone's language. Neverthess, if it were properly legislated and controlled, at least the prostitutes would have some protection. As it is, they are open to apalling abuse. It doubt if many prostitutes do this because they want to. Most are uneducated and/or drug addicted and stuck in a downward spiral.

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