Open Letter - The issue of sex workers |27 March 2017

“It is NOT a norm, and should NOT be taken as one”.

The above is a firm standpoint put forward by Reverend Danny Elizabeth during his much esteemed intervention during the ‘Dyalog An Direk’ hosted on SBC TV on Wednesday March 22, 2017.

I would like to tip my hat to Reverend D. Elizabeth for his much spiritual arbitrations during the above mentioned programme, as the aspect of spirituality is ever gone with the practice of sex with different partners for the exchange of money.

“You shall not commit adultery and idolatry” are two of the fundamental and founding Commandments tabled on the ‘tablet of stones’ for us men to follow and live a righteous life in the eyes of our Maker. Saying this, I am not judging anyone and GOD forgives those for not knowing what they are doing…

Though debatable in this modern age, safe sex with one partner is the ideal model laid down by our Creator upon the creation of man and woman to conquer the earth and multiply through!

The subject of constructing ‘brothels’ for the safe practice of the sex workers’ activities is not all welcoming in the Christianity world and would bring about even more social ills to our economy.

We must also appreciate as a civilised Nation that the practice of prostitution can give rise to human trafficking, which is defined as using coercion or force to transport an unwilling person into prostitution or other sexual exploitation. While I reflect on this perspective, one will also rest in contempt that human trafficking also, to a large extent, involves the captivity of children as well as teenagers.

As a Nation striving to enhance National Unity, we must also foresee the upcoming of ‘sexual tourism’, ‘virtual sex’, an upcoming outset of brothels (which are establishments specifically dedicated to prostitution) and the rise of ‘escorts’ services. We must also bear in mind that there are brothels that may not adhere to the usual legal standards intended to safeguard public health and the safety of the workers.

We must also ensure that we do not face an avalanche of ‘illegal immigration’ in lieu with ‘sexual trafficking’, as a difficulty facing migrant prostitutes in many developed countries is the illegal residence status of some of these women.

There is a strong call for the Ministry of Family Affairs to address this issue of ‘sex workers’ in our economy and one which should be undertaken with extreme tolerance, accountability and transparency, but with an ultimate aim to reduce ‘sexual labour’ on the local market and ultimately drive those ‘sexual workers’ into a formal employment for their own benefit, the benefit of their family, parents and children as well as for the community.

Jacob Terence Madeleine, ACSI

Writer, National Unity Advocate

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this letter are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Seychelles NATION newspaper.