A question of dignity

The question of whether prostitution should be legalised is complex and divisive some argue that sex work should be governed by civil laws rather than criminal laws,others suggest it may be wiser to restrict the criminality to buying sex,not offering it. There have been studies that claim that legalising sex work only worsens the exploitation and inequality,others speak for the right to sexual self-determination. The Supreme Court has pragmatically skirted that question to make sure that sex workers have the same rights as others. It is in line with the increasingly popular view across the world,which focuses on reducing harm,rather than punishment. The court had,in 2011,asked for reports on the prevention of trafficking,rehabilitation of those who wished to leave the profession,and better conditions for those who wanted to continue.

The governments refusal to acknowledge that the profession exists has been the reason sex workers are denied the dues of full citizenship they have trouble getting PAN cards,and the government has refused to relax address verification for their ration cards,or allow creches for children of sex workers. Encounters with the state tend to be brutal 80 per cent of the sex workers surveyed by a 2005 WHO report said they had been arrested without evidence. Many states have a progressive approach Gujarat has recently made a budgetary allocation for healthcare and employment training. Its too bad that the UPA still thinks that looking away is the solution.