By VERNON SMALL
The decriminalisation of prostitution will come a step closer today when a majority of MPs are expected to caste a conscience vote in favour of a law change.
Supporters of the Prostitution Reform Bill said yesterday that they expected it to pass by about 70 votes to 50,
although opponents say it will be close.
The bill's sponsor, Christchurch Labour MP Tim Barnett, said it won approval at its first reading by 87 votes to 21, and he expected a significant majority still in support.
If it passes today, MPs will then debate the detailed provisions of the law change before it has its third and final reading.
Labour, National and Act MPs are split on the bill. Green MPs are expected to support it. New Zealand First and United Future MPs will all vote against it.
Larry Baldock from United Future said the vote would be close. Some who would support the second reading wanted further amendments to make it more acceptable, he said.
Mr Barnett conceded that there might be some changes, possibly including zoning laws stricter on brothels than other commercial properties and tighter licensing requirements.
The bill would:
Introduce safe-sex information requirements.
Strengthen laws against coercion of sex workers.
Raise penalties and reduce defences available for clients of sex workers aged 16 to 18.
Establish a review committee looking at ways to help people to avoid entering the sex industry and to leave it.
The police estimate that about 4500 people are involved in the sex industry. Prostitution is not an offence in itself, but it is illegal to "solicit" and live off the earnings.
