29 July 2008
International experience shows that legalization of prostitution does not solve all problems, official says

International experience shows that the legalization of prostitution does not solve all problems, Uladzimir Yemyalyanaw, a senior official at the interior ministry, told reporters on July 29.

A great many illegal night clubs and brothels emerge in the countries where prostitution is legal, Mr. Yemyalyanaw explained. Such businesses eventually become dominant in the sex industry, he added.

According to him, the legalization of prostitution leads to an influx of illegal migration and human trafficking.

By legalizing prostitution, Belarus, currently the country of origin, could become the country of destination, Mr. Yemyalyanaw warned. He predicted that the legalization of prostitution, “a serious factor feeding organized crime,” would also give rise to new human trafficking rings and illegal brothels, which would enable organized crime to “take control of shadow business” and flourish.

“We believe that administrative culpability for prostitution is entirely appropriate for our state,” Mr. Yamyalyanaw said. “The interior ministry has never advocated criminalizing this activity. This is a negative social phenomenon.”

There are 1,516 women in Belarus who were ever convicted of prostitution, Mr. Yemyalyanaw said. //BelaPAN