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HE WHO WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE

Nov 08, 2016 Editorial, Features / Columnists

It is said that prostitution is the world’s oldest profession, a phrase coined by the British poet and novelist, Rudyard Kipling. The phrase acquired prominence in the late nineteenth century following Kipling’s 1889 poem “On the City Wall.” This is a poem based on biblical references about Lalun, an Indian prostitute.
Prostitution is an ageless profession that has no boundaries. It occurs across cultures, race and political systems. It exists in every country. It is a common way for women to make money, even in biblical times, but it is immoral. Prostitution destroys marriages, families, lives and the soul in a way that leads to physical and spiritual death.
Under the Sexual Offences Act, a prostitute is a person of either sex who engages in prostitution, namely the offering of the body by a person of either sex for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of another person for payment in return. The Act clearly states that people who procure prostitution or knowingly live off the earnings of prostitutes are committing an offence. But those people have never been the focus and are not charged.
The shame, ridicule and judgment are directed at the prostitutes who are vulnerable not only to the law, but also to factors relating to their health. Prostitutes, their clients and regular partners are at high risk of attracting the HIV-AIDS infection. And stigma and poverty have further exacerbated the situation.
Prostitution occurs mostly in the nation’s capital and in other cities. The fact that it is illegal should not absolve the police of the responsibility to protect prostitutes. Crimes are committed against prostitutes from both sexes almost daily. Many are verbally abused but most do not report the incidents to law enforcement because they are afraid of stigmatization and victimization and, most of all, the law.
However, the police should treat prostitutes as normal human beings and should always investigate crimes against them. Prostitutes are fully aware that their actions are illegal and many are charged or are issued warnings not to sell their bodies. Regardless of what the Police think about prostitutes, they must ensure that they are protected under the law like all other citizens. Arrests or threats will not prevent prostitutes from being out at nights to ply their trade. That is a reality that cannot be ignored.
If the police are serious about helping prostitutes, then it is not enough to simply warn them to be careful. It is like telling the general population not to get robbed or get killed. Instead, prostitutes should be provided adequate policing to help protect them. The police should listen to their concerns and help them in their cries for help.
While the police may arrest prostitutes, they should know that prostitutes are not the only wrong party in law whenever a transaction takes place.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised all sex workers to be proactively involved in legal and social frameworks to protect their human rights. It is in the interest of the public. After all, they are human beings and even though what they do is sinful, prostitutes can be forgiven for their sins. Just like everyone else, the Bible says that they could be cleansed of their sins and be given a brand new life. It is important for society not to discriminate or be prejudiced against prostitutes.
The murder of a prostitute is a murder pure and simple. It is simply wrong for anyone to say or imply that prostitutes deserve death or that death is inevitable given their trade. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

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