South Australia’s socially regressive sex trade laws need reform

In considering legislative reform of prostitution, South Australian MPs should adopt the model successfully flagged in Sweden in 1999, which has been adopted in neighbouring socially progressive countries Norway and Iceland.

The rationale underpinning the “Swedish model” sees all forms of prostitution as violence against women. Rather than targeting the supply (mostly vulnerable women) the “Swedish model” targets the demand (mainly men) and sees the government fund “exit programs” for sex workers. The selling of sex is decriminalised but the buying of sex is a criminal offence.

The “Swedish model” is consistent with Ms Key’s call to protect sex workers from prosecution. However, unlike what occurs in jurisdictions where prostitution is legalised, the “Swedish model” avoids injustices, where the state gives legal sanction to and collects tax revenue from, the trade and sexual objectification of humans. This is also consistent with Commissioner Hyde’s plea that reforms must stop exploitation.

Prostitution is a reality and as the oldest profession (or oppression?) in the world, it won’t disappear anytime soon. However, the “Swedish model” would address two crucial aspects which current SA legislation fails to do. It would regulate the industry and protect sex workers from prosecution, but far more importantly, it would send a clear message to men that no dollar amount can ever be placed on the value of a woman.