PNG sex workers fail to win dept support

By REBECCA KUKU
THE Department of Community Development and Religion does not support legalising prostitution, according to its secretary Anna Solomon.
Solomon clarified that the department was not part of any discussion, research or consultations regarding legalising prostitution in the country.
“The department was not part of the submission that was presented a few years back in Parliament,” she said.
“That submission never came through the department and we were never consulted before it was presented.”
Solomon said the department was more focused on GBV and empowering women issues.
Her comments followed criticism after The National published a report last week stating that discussions on prostitution would come after some time, research and consultation.
Solomon said the department has no intention of legalising prostitution in the country and never said they would.
“The topic involves many stakeholder and as such they must be consulted for their views before any such discussions can eventuate,” she said.