Page 3178 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 18 November 1992
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Mr Stevenson also raised the issue of youth. My understanding is that a youth is someone under 18. We have put legal restrictions on the participation of minors in prostitution and imposed a seven-year term of imprisonment. If we just decriminalised, we would not have control over that. That is why members other than Mr Stevenson think there is a role for legalisation. I would argue that if that were put to Bishop George - I do not know what Bishop Power would say - he would be very keen to ensure that there was no involvement of minors and that we took action to ensure that that was the case.
Mr Stevenson also raised a series of questions about government funding and prostitution being an unreasonable occupation for young boys and girls. I think I have answered the latter question by saying that it is an illegal occupation for young people. Mr Stevenson also raised the matter of advertising with the Commonwealth Employment Service. Adults can make their own decisions as to whether they are going to be involved or not. Remember that we are talking about adults. They should be making their own decisions.
Madam Speaker, the issues raised by Mr Stevenson reflect the lack of tolerance in his approach rather than valid arguments. The rest of the Assembly has had a logical and rational discussion. Mr Stevenson indicated that WISE had a particular opinion. There was a clear disagreement from the gallery with what Mr Stevenson said. Had he taken up my offer to discuss this matter further, we may have had a different result. He decided not to. Therefore, I think it is appropriate that we pass this Bill in its agreed form.
Question put:
That this Bill be agreed to in principle.
The Assembly voted -
AYES, 16 NOES, 1
Mr Berry Mr Stevenson
Mrs Carnell
Mr Connolly
Mr Cornwell
Mr De Domenico
Ms Ellis
Ms Follett
Mrs Grassby
Mr Humphries
Mr Kaine
Mr Lamont
Ms McRae
Mr Moore
Ms Szuty
Mr Westende
Mr Wood
Question so resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
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