Michelle Pearse, WA Director of the Australian Christian Lobby updates us on a government proposal to legalise brothels operating in designated zones in Western Australia. Using information from other Australian states which have already adopted similar approaches Michelle explains why these well-meaning attempts to introduce some measure of regulation to the prostitution industry are in fact counter productive, leading to greater exploitation of women and associated problems such as trafficking of sex workers. This contrasts with the approach taken by Sweden, where education & social programmes combined with the criminalisation of obtaining the services of a prostitute has led to positive changes in community attitudes and a reduction in the exploitation of vulnerable women.
Pastor Mike Birch follows on from Michelle’s presentation with a biblical overview of how Christians can model Christ-like attitudes and actions in the way that we address significant moral issues in our society and relate to people who are affected by them. In how we respond to proposed changes to laws such as those dealing with prostitution, as well as existing laws such as those dealing with abortion; we need to be ready to honour God and be a blessing to our community in the way that we conduct ourselves and in the message we communicate.
Key Texts: Psalms 103 and 36, Exodus 21:22-24, Deuteronomy 23:17-18, John 3:16-21
