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Public Presence Of Prostitution : Public Stigma And Moral Taint Essay

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Public Presence of Prostitution The public stigma and moral taint associated with sex works, makes the location and public presence of sex work heavily disputed. When first introduced, concerns were raised regarding whether acknowledging sex work as a legal occupation would increase the number of sex workers (New Zealand Government 2012). Research, however, suggests that there has been no significant increase in the number of sex workers post-decriminalisation (Abel, Fitzgerald, & Brunton 2007). Though it has not increased the number of sex workers, it has allowed the sex industry to step out of the shadows. Sex workers can now approach clients in public places as soliciting is no longer a criminal offense (Armstrong 2014). Though this is extremely beneficial for street worker who can now spend more time screening their clients (Armstrong 2014), it has not necessarily been to the public’s pleasing. Street workers still experience a significant amount of harassment by the public (Armstrong 2016). Brothels have also experienced some disputes regarding their locations. Between 2004 and 2011 there were 914 operators’ certificates granted in New Zealand (New Zealand Government 2012). The PRA itself does not place any limitations regarding the location of brothels but give territorial authorities power to make by-laws concerning the location of brothels (Abel 2014). There have been reported some cases where local authorities have attempted to severely limit the placement on

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