The column by Fr Chris Chatteris “An end to prostitution?” (August 5-11) gives hope for an upturn in our society in which only downward spiralling in the area of morals seems to continue.
Three cheers (or more) for Sweden, which is reversing its laws on prostitution by banning the practice and stating that prostitution is an aspect of male domination against women and children.
Legislation in that country states that “[I]t is officially acknowledged as a form of exploitation of women and children; gender equality will remain unattainable as long as men buy, sell and exploit women and children by prostitution”. Now that’s calling a spade a spade!
At a time when the debate around legalising prostitution in this country is rearing its ugly head again, as Church we need to be vigilant, and outspoken in condemning such a law.
In March last year UNANIMA International, a coalition of 16 religious congregations launched a campaign titled: “Stop the demand”. It says: “Men throughout the world are socialised into a model of masculinity…Being a ‘real man’ is therefore marked by the struggle for control, conquest, domination”.
An end to prostitution would be a big step towards the moral regeneration of our country.
Sr M Shanley IBVM, Cape Town
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