plans to legalize prostitution, putting the country at risk to become "the gateway for the flow of women and children from poorer eastern and central European countries to sex industries throughout western Europe and the world," BosNewsLife learned Friday, May 7.
In an open letter this week to Czech President Vaclav Klaus, the speakers of both chambers of the parliament and other lawmakers, officials of the influential organization based in Nashville, Tennessee, said the move would "irreparably harm relations between the Czech Republic and the United States, " The Associated Press news agency reported.
There are already an estimated 25,000 prostitutes working in the Czech Republic, which became a European Union member on May 1, along with nine other mainly former Communist countries. Most of the prostitutes operate in the border area with Germany and Austria, where human rights watchdogs have expressed concern about the abuse sexual abuse young women and even children from poorer countries, including Romania and the former Soviet Union, BosNewsLife learned earlier.
SUPPORTERS
Those supporting legalizing prostitution argue it will encourage women to work openly and give them more protection. Yet in the letter the Southern Baptists warn that countries like Australia, Germany and the Netherlands also expected benefits by decriminalizing prostitution, but they "never materialized.", AP reported.
Last month, the Czech government announced plans to tighten controls on rampant prostitution in the country and agreed to draft legislation that would allow cities to license prostitutes in certain districts. The Interior Ministry plans to have a draft bill ready for approval by the Cabinet by the end of the year and it would then go to parliament and need presidential approval.
If approved, licenses would be issued to individuals over age 18, and the license-holders would have the status of a self-employed person and would have to pay taxes, social and health insurance and undergo mandatory regular health checks. Foreign nationals with valid work permits also would be eligible for licenses. The measure would reportedly ban street prostitution or brothels near schools, churches and other specified buildings.
