Bengaluru: Former Minister M.C. Nanaiah, chairman of the expert committee to suggest measures for safety of women and children has favoured a wider discussion on legalisation of prostitution in the country to prevent rapes.
Mr Nanaiah, a former MLC, said in his opening remarks after chairing the first meeting of the committee here on Wednesday, that there is a demand from all quarters to legalise prostitution in the country, so there is a need for wider discussion on the issue.He stated that keeping in mind conventions and the reality, there is a need for a discussion on legalisation of prostitution.
“Sex workers have been demanding that their work should be considered as employment. They have also stated that if the government legalises their work, they can live happily within the framework of the law”, Mr. Nanaiah said.
Noted writer Nisar Ahmed and Mathe Mahadevi had urged legalisation of prostitution which has been legalized in many countries. So, there is a need for discussion on this issue, Mr. Nanaiah opined. Mr Naniah’s opinion has given enough indications that the expert committee is likely to suggest to the state government to legalise prostitution to prevent rapes.
To prevent rapes, there is need for a strong legislation which should be enacted by the Centre. The Committee can suggest to the Centre to enact strong legislation to prevent rapes, Mr. Nanaiah said. Social welfare minister H. Anjaneya also favoured legalization of prostitution. Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, Mr. Anjaneya said that instead of discussing the subject, the government can legalise prostitution to prevent rapes.
“As a minister I cannot freely express my personal views on the issue. However, writer Nisar Ahmed and pontiff Mathe Mahadevi had urged the state government to legalise prostitution. Instead of keping discussing the issue, the government should legalise prostitution”, Mr. Anjaneya said.
