Whether someone was forced/trafficked into prostitution or chose sex work of their own volition is a separate matter. What is relevant here is that if a woman wants to engage in sex work, she has the right to choose her profession. The stigma around sex work needs to go. So, the SC has clarified that voluntary sex work is now legal.
Until now, sex workers had no protections under the law because prostitution was not legal. This robbed them of the rights that other workers have, deprived them and their children of a life of dignity and consigned them to the fringes of society. While running a brothel is still illegal, sex workers themselves cannot be arrested or punished or harassed.
Do you have something interesting you would like to share? Write to us at [email protected]
