Saturday, July 19, 2008
World Cup prostitution plans condemned
Plans to legalise prostitution for the 2010 football World Cup in South Africa have been criticised by religious groups and opposition parties.
The local authority in Durban wants legalised adult entertainment venues during the tournament.
But African Nazareth Democratic Movement (ANDM) president Thokozani Hlatshwayo said the proposal was "against the word of God". Opposition parties fear that, if introduced, it could become permanent.
The youth wing of the Inkatha Freedom Party and the main opposition Democratic Alliance have condemned the suggestion.
An additional concern is Aids - some five million people in South Africa are HIV-positive - making it one of the world's worst-hit countries.
Durban's municipality said Germany had many adult entertainment centres during the World Cup in 2006, which were very popular with visitors.
It said while prostitution was illegal in South Africa, it could not ignore the fact that the sex industry thrives during major events like the World Cup.
The local authority in Durban wants legalised adult entertainment venues during the tournament.
But African Nazareth Democratic Movement (ANDM) president Thokozani Hlatshwayo said the proposal was "against the word of God". Opposition parties fear that, if introduced, it could become permanent.
The youth wing of the Inkatha Freedom Party and the main opposition Democratic Alliance have condemned the suggestion.
An additional concern is Aids - some five million people in South Africa are HIV-positive - making it one of the world's worst-hit countries.
Durban's municipality said Germany had many adult entertainment centres during the World Cup in 2006, which were very popular with visitors.
It said while prostitution was illegal in South Africa, it could not ignore the fact that the sex industry thrives during major events like the World Cup.
