function set_Cookie()
    {
        document.cookie = "myurl=" + document.location.href + ";path=/";
    }

    set_Cookie();

        
document.write("<a href=\"javascript: startPop('/pls/cms/article_comments.add_comment?p_dopop=Y&p_content_id=1770941');\"><img src=/pics/addcomment.gif border=0></a></div></div>");
document.write("<div class=\"article_Comments\">USER COMMENTS >");
document.write("<h5>Legalising prostitution</h5>");
document.write("What a bizarre debate! Stating that \"Assigning morals is passé, especially in a society that makes prostitutes of us all.\" is like saying \"don't talk about morals\" at a murder scene.  It is obscene! Then mr. Moolla tells us \"Letting go of sexual inhibitions goes hand in hand with intellectual freedom. Prostitutes may even be considered freedom fighters by proxy — ask any revolutionary worth his salt: ####ging and shooting are firm bedmates.\" This is a plainly promiscuous statement. My friend, when you say taking the Bible to a brothel is like a knive in a gun fight, you are clearly ignorant of the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. <br />Rasionalising, condoning sin quickly leads to promotion of sin and will degrade this country far quicker that any other economical disaster. <br />A rethink of such outrageous statements will be much more beneficial.<br />. James");
document.write("<h5>James</h5>");
document.write("Jesus also married a prostitute. I am sure Jesus would love the way prostitutes are treated by pimps, police and citizens. My view of Christianity is not to look down on people because of their profession, but to rather help them out of the wrong life they live. Christians (in general)are far to quick to judge people, but aren't quick to help. Just as Mary Magdelena was saved and forgiven by Jesus, isn't it fair to give prostitutes the chance to change their lifestyle to follow their heart. Currently prostitutes are treated so poorly, the last thing on their mind is if Jesus will accept them. What about the hundreds of children sold by pimps that can't get out of the hell they are in? By legalising the profession we allow prostitutes the protection needed to choose their path in life. We also allow them more time on Earth to make their decision. So morals aside the right thing to do is to protect all humans with the hope they find the right path. Christians burying their head in the sand hoping prostitutes will go away are only spreading the moral decay by allowing child abuse and drug trafficking. Maybe it is time for Christians to be Christ Like.. brendan");
document.write("<h5>2010</h5>");
document.write("if the goverment legalise prostitution then the use of weed should be legalised too.....a community should not be the obnly community to get benefits from the 2010....i believe prostituion shouldnt be legalised because of the spread of AIDS and HIV , the goverment is contradicting themselves by doin this. Ruben");
document.write("<h5>james is already stupid from just saying 5 words </h5>");
document.write("jesus didnt marry no one you ####ing idiot read the da vinci code , it clearly states this book is based on fiction moron , yes you james. james is an idiot");
document.write("<h5>anon</h5>");
document.write("at least have the balls to give your name. james never said jesus was married to mary, i did. and it hasn't been proven that he wasn't. but that aside, jesus did treat mary as an equal and not like trash like so called christians do.. brendan");
document.write("<h5>Legalize criminals and ban law abiders</h5>");
document.write("The last days all that is evil will be made legal and all that is good will be illegal.Citizens that need to protect themselves from murderers are disarmed,but prostitution that causes AIDS is legalized . Frikkie Botes");
document.write("<h5>Prostitution</h5>");
document.write("People's arguments against legalisation seem to be based on 'if we legalise it it will happen' - IT IS HAPPENING - ALWAYS HAS - ALWAYS WILL - your moral high ground places women in danger when we could rather bring them into society to get health care, pay tax, undermine criminal exploitation, and stop making them live their lives in the shadows. Give them red light areas and give them a union too. And GROW UP!!!. AJ");
document.write("<h5>LEGAL WHAT?!!</h5>");
document.write("Prostitution, child slavery, drugs, taxis (in many cases) and even street vendors are all run by ruthless, greedy cartels, illegally. Whether legalised or not, the \"staff\" (prostitutes, child slave etc) will still be at a distinct disadvantage, as they are presently. With the decline of standards throughout Africa, which are apparent, how will this \"industry\" be properly \"regulated\"?! If at all!  . citizen");
document.write("<h5>frikkie</h5>");
document.write("you miss the point. by legalising it you get rid of criminals. and protect citizens. prostitution may not be right in many peoples eyes, doesn't mean legalising it is wrong. currently pimps control female drug addicts by making them sell their bodies. homeless kids are dragged into this industry to survive. if all the moral high grounders went and saved these slaves, legalisation wouldn't be required, by it is far easier to keep your head in the sand. so why do you care if it is legalised, if you don't care about prostitutes, then it doesn't effect you. lets legalise it and clean up the industry. lets stop child rape and exploitation by pimps. lets try get drugs out the industry. the positives outweigh your emotions.. brendan");
document.write("<h5>prostitution</h5>");
document.write("absurd and pathetic<br />we are a proud nation<br />and we won't disolve our morals for a few bucks. Danica");
document.write("<h5>Crazy</h5>");
document.write("This is crazy! It is like saying we should legalize theft, drugs or any other crime one could mention, because we can protect or help the individuals involved and lead them to salvation. We can also make a quick buck for the government in extra taxes....I can also sell  my grandmother and contribute to the economy...!!?? <br />It's a slippery road, especially if monatary gain is one of the deciding factors in what is a moral and social issue. Sure we sugar coat it by saying we \"protect\", but if you wanted to protect then profit should not be part of the equation. If government wanted to assist prostitutes then do it propperly - sett up a register that allows access to specific services that will help rehabilitate and support individuals. Give a way out. As for theft etc....off with their heads.. Dan");
document.write("<h5>@Danica</h5>");
document.write("So if prostitutes die in an illegal profession, rather than be protected better in a legalised one, your morals are then intact? It should be beneath me to actually even comment to someone of your severely stunted intellectual 'stature'. Your morals never saved a life. My common sense would.. AJ");
document.write("<h5>Black & White</h5>");
document.write("There are more than one option not just legal or illegal. The facts are it is degrading to the female gender and currently linked to a shadowy underworld - We don't have to reduce our morals to accomodate behaviour that destroys people (including the \"customer\") and the fabrick of society, just so we can help somebody - just help!! through churches, civil societies and the government. That is what Jesus did and what He asks of us....and I have... what about you?. Dan");
document.write("<h5>lindiwe is right. We cannot decrimilise for only one month!</h5>");
document.write("We need to PERMANENTLY decriminalise prostitution. And yes, we need to decriminalise drugs too. We have clearly lost the war on both. The way to deal with both is to drive them into the open by decriminalising them. We can then drive out the criminal elements, control the spead of all ST didseases and dependencies, and protect the exploited. Germany, Holland and Ausralia among others have long ago found this to be the best course of action to beat the scourge. Let us grow up as a Nation!   . Ayanda");
document.write("<h5>@AJ..</h5>");
document.write("to start with,you cannot make a right with a wrong... ");
document.write("<h5>@Ayanda</h5>");
document.write("\"Germany, Holland and Ausralia among others have long ago found this to be the best course of action to beat the scourge\" bull$h!t..have you been to any of these countries?..they still battling with all of them..and they too legalised it for wrong reasons... ");
document.write("<h5>What will be the impact?</h5>");
document.write("Well for one if we legalize prostitution...We will get more prostitution...Thats not really want we as a society wants...Besides we wont be able to regulate it half as good as we say...Nothing in s.a in 100% regulated not even traffic NOTHING so it will have a negative effect on HIV and just as important it really will have negative impact on society especially (obviously) on young women...And people (especially the silver tongued moron Ebrahim Moola) should remember that morals (throughout the history of mankind) is the only thing that keeps this world from degenerating into one big chaotic mess...Just to quote Mr.Moola and his genius \"I don't buy this Hollywood stereotype of ##### as victim, downtrodden and abused with nowhere left to go\". Well you bloody idiot have u ever been at \"streetlevel\" and seen these people? Its not like they have a 3 bedroom house in suburbia and go shopping at woolies?! They ONLY do it cause there's no other jobs!!! To solve this is to stick to our morals and provide better jobs (not easy) but we will be better for it.. Braam");
document.write("<h5>The \"A\" word?</h5>");
document.write("At some time in our 'development', or rightly, 'decay', we must allow our decisions to be moulded by religious mores (that should set some off and foaming).<br /><br />But seriously, those who favour the first argument, inadvertently favour adultery.<br /><br />Since it is, generally, women who are abused during prostitution, it is women who should become more vocal and and express their anger at the moves to legalize prostitution.<br /><br />Men and women should tell their spouses that if they commit adultery, they should not bother returning. The loose should stay with the loose, prostitutes or pick-ups at clubs.<br /><br />All the arguments count for nothing when little souvenirs are taken home and passed around. <br /><br />Or in the Final Reckoning.<br /><br />When Edmund Burke said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing”, he must have meant ‘women’ as well.<br />. Mahmood");
document.write("<h5>Legalise prostitution</h5>");
document.write("I agree with Ebrahim Moolla.<br />Prostitution should be legalised. It is to everyone's advantage - safety, health reasons and providing a service! The government would also be able to tax these workers thus increasing its income to spend on the needy. It has nothing to do with the 2010 soccer.This question was asked years ago - the soccer just brought it to the surface again. It should be legalised regardless. \"Our rules\" are what we the people decide. It is not demeaning to women or men. If legalised these workers will be better protected in any event. In Amsterdam they even have a union to look after their needs. To compare prostitution with drunk driving or child pornograpy and dubbing it criminal is just ridiculous. It is a natural human function and the oldest profession in the world. No one gets hurt by allowing this. We had the conservative party during the \"apartheid\" years. Please join the global community with modern values!! We want to be completely part of the global village!<br />Viva! Modern, first-world south africa!. Arno Kema");
document.write("<h5>winning favour for mating</h5>");
document.write("We can neva legalise mating for money just for soccer. We should howeva let people have sex for whateva favour they want. Most married people have sex for some form of payment. If they are ok with mating without being married, why not for rewards like money. Mating for rewards is the most normal thing in the world even amongst animals. Using drugs is abnormal and not even done amongst animals.. venus");
document.write("<h5>I am dissapointed that iAfrica airs the views of such fools</h5>");
document.write("@james - did you watch transformers? because Im sure you believe there are giant robots rampaging around the world at this very point in time as well.<br /><br />@brendan<br />You are very, very misinformed if you believe legalizing prostitution removes crime, pimps, and exploitation. <br /><br />In any country where prostitution is legalized(and where it is illegal), the majority of brothels are shown to have links to organized crime.<br /><br />Woman from poorer countries often pay to escape their homeland destitution, only to find their new \"jobs\" are not quite what they have expected.<br /><br />Studies show that in some countries where prostitution was LEGALIZED, other illegal activities (such as child prostitution) have grown by as much as nearly 400%, all directly related to the now \"legal\" activities.<br /><br />You have no idea what you are talking about, so please shut up.<br /><br />@Ebrahim Moolla, I wonder if you have any daughters/granddaughters, cause if your views become reality they wont have to study, they can just become sex workers and then die of some venereal disease(HPV can be contracted while wearing a condom, and leads to female sterility, and causes cancer)<br /><br />iAfrica has really gone to the dogs.. alexk");
document.write("<h5>To even consider this is...</h5>");
document.write("Just 2 thoughts that I would consider before even legalizing prostitution- an incompetant government and AIDS. Enough said. Chris");
document.write("<h5>Oh boy</h5>");
document.write("alexk you self righteous pontificating know-it-all. People who don't agree with you are entitled to post as they wish. You quote some countries does that include Holland? Prostitution has been around throughout known history and is a reality. To control it would be better that to leave it unsupervised. Why don't you take your self righteous arrogance and stay home and mastubate. Kgo");
document.write("<h5>Status Quo</h5>");
document.write("Moral concerns aside, it is clear that the current legislation serves only to attract the interests of those who are already involved in organised crime. By putting in place laws that will protect those that are going to participate in prostitution since the current legislation is to essentially turn a blind eye to these activities<br />. Bob");
document.write("<h5>@James</h5>");
document.write("Brother i fully agree! <br /><br />@Brendan<br />Jesus was never married. Josephus, a Jewish historian who had Roman citizenship, never recorded that He was married. As for Mary Magdelene being a prostitute, also incorrect. She was in fact a businesswoman of great power and renown. A fair comparrison would be someone such as Oprah. However another of the Mary's (there were several) was indeed a prostitute and a welcome member of His followers. Then again most of them were fishermen and farmers, not the religious and social uppperclass of the day. However i must agree with many of your assertions and wish that more of my brethren would step up to the plate in terms of showing the truths of the cross.<br /><br />@Danica<br />Ignore AJ he obviously does not value or respect women judging by the insultive and immature way he responded to your post. <br /><br />@AJ<br />Grow up please boet. Women are our equals and should be treated with respect and dignity. Your comment to Danica is out of line and you should apologise to her. <br /><br />@Dan<br />Shot bro. Keep shining a light for our Saviour's glory! <br /><br />@Mahmood<br />I'm sure Ed Burke meant humanity in general. Agree with you that favouring legalization is condoning adultery. But Jesus points out just looking at woman lustfully is also adultery. Good thing Jesus offers us forgiveness should we trespass and confess our sin. Perhaps not what you believe but in all earnesty it is the truth. Forgive me if the comment does offend you as a muslim (an assumption based on your name). <br /><br />@Arno Kema<br />'No one gets hurt by allowing this.' Dude get real. I know the price bro and unless you do as well you should rather not comment about something you have no knowledge or understanding off. <br /><br />@Venus<br />You give all women a real bad name. Rather keep such comments out of public domain. You are doing the cause of equality for women more harm than good. Comments such as yours are why some men still believe it would be ok to treat women as objects.  <br /><br />Guys let's not have legalization of prostitution happen as it would be more harmfull to our society and we simply can not afford the price of it in terms of morality, spirituality and equality for women. . mtnboy");
document.write("<h5>@mtnboy</h5>");
document.write("No offence taken, really. If you did try, personal attack no longer hurt me - only attacks on God and His Prophets (who number in their thousands). Boy, that really hurts!<br /><br />You are so right. But don't you believe the offer of forgiveness should not be abused? If we try our bestest to be progressively better, morally, but do slip up, with decreasing frequency, enroute, then the forgiveness is there as a 'leg up'. What happens too often is that we consciously stray because we assume that that forgiveness is there with no quid pro quos - always there to almost justify our excesses.<br /><br />And, to coin a phrase, Trespasses and Confessions are Stepping Stones to Moral Regeneration.. Mahmood");
document.write("<h5>For a lark?</h5>");
document.write("Sadly, both Ebrahim and Lindiwe have done us a grave injustice - they created a debate with no direction. Both have neglected to mention the discussion paper of the SA Law Reform Commission. The Commission has invited comments from the public on the Discussion Paper on Adult Prostitution.<br /><br />According to the paper \"... Following an evaluation of the responses and any final deliberations on the matter, the Commission may issue a report on this subject which will be submitted to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development for tabling in Parliament.\"<br /><br />OK, OK, don't rush! - the closing date for comments was 30 June 2009 - yesterday! Reporters! Eish!<br /><br />Are they smiling for the response THEY got? Probably!. Mahmood");
document.write("<h5>SOCCER VS PROSTITUTION</h5>");
document.write("Damn and I thought that all the fuss around 2010 was about the big round inflated balls of soccer, now I discover it's all about men? who don't have any....<br />Surely they are here to play and watch soccer?. Sonjap");
document.write("<h5>@mahmood</h5>");
document.write("I do agree with your sentiments and personal attacks are allways best avoided as it does nothing for aiding people of differing beiefs to create a harmonious society. <br /><br />However, just a quicky, in the Bible the Jewish King, David is referd to as a 'friend of God'. Why? Because he actively sought out His forgiveness and strove to live a life reflective of God's saving grace as best represented by Christ. <br /><br />Just something for us all to think about. Especially Christians.. mtnboy");
document.write("<h5>Why?</h5>");
document.write("Why is it legal to do something for free but illegal if you pay for it?. Fred");
document.write("<h5>Christians & prostitution</h5>");
document.write("mtnboy, thanks for it brother!  <br /><br />Calling prostitution a sin does not mean that one comes from a moral high ground.  It means one is sensitive to sin in whatever form because I myself is a sinner - forgiven, reconciled with God.  However, only because God made me this - it is a gift - meaning I am no better than the prostritute. But like a dying famished man I can tell other dying famished people where to get bread.  <br /><br />Condoning sin is not love; legalising sin is not love or care; remaining quiet when sin is taking over, is not love; legalising sin is not going to remove criminal involvement. Jesus Christ came to save sinners of which I could be the greatest.. James");
document.write("<h5>Frikkie is Right</h5>");
document.write("The Quran also says that the Day of Judgment is nearing.  The signs are there.  Same sex marriages, children disrespecting their parents, people worshipping \"new religions\", legalization of many things that are wrong (abortion, adultery), fewer people praying and going to church / mosque.  It is in these times that we need to pray more.. ebzah");
document.write("<h5>Its a criminal activity for a reason!</h5>");
document.write("Legalising prostitution will definitely not get rid of the criminal element, pimps will be free to flex more muscle and take advantage. It will set bad examples for our kids, it will destroy more marriages, it will promote the spread of disease, it will promote the use of drugs (to dull reality for the poor woman). To those who approve of legalising it, I presume you would happy for your daughter/girlfriend/wife/sister/mother to have sex with complete starngers? Ever thought about the future of a prostitute, or the future of a prostitute's child? (reality check: these women do have families, they are not just objects)<br /><br />To those of you who tell christians to get off of their moral high ground, a society without religion will crumble, religion guides and teaches what is right and wrong, good and evil...just because an activity (drugs, prostitution, theft, murder) is difficult to eradicate, that does not justify giving in and accepting....where's your backbone?<br /><br />Granted it is difficult to get prostitutes back on their feet(no pun intended), but why then attract more to this activity and get them in the same deep hole? Want to get some money back in the state coffers? fine the perpetrators (both giver and receiver), as apparently the givers have got loads of cash, and the receivers obviously have cash to give.. Luke");
document.write("<h5>prostitution legalising</h5>");
document.write("legalising prostitution for one month is not logical, and implies that in the mind of the proposer it is nothing to consider illegal anyway.<br />I use prostitutes often, and like them.<br />Who is anybody to impose their stes of morals on others anyway? It was the same with the old ban on sex between the whites and other races in SA--that was considered evil by all, and I feel the same about the criminalisation of paid -for sex between consenting adults. It needlessly criminalises law-abiding citizens, and the prostitutes are hounded and robbed by the police, who know they are unable to report them.Who are the criminals here?. garth");
document.write("<h5>prostitution during soccer world championship</h5>");
document.write("I fully agree with Lindiwe!. gefo");
document.write("<h5>Legalization of Prostitution</h5>");
document.write("Prostitution should be legalized without delay and sex workers included into the workforce, just like normal citizens. They can be regulated, taxed, issued health certificates and placed in special areas designated for their chosen profession. Sexual morality is not a matter of law but of choice.. Stefan");
document.write("<h5>@Stefan</h5>");
document.write("Sorry but solid moral values have and allways should be the underpinning of the laws we as a society create. Prostitution comes at a cost that our society can not afford. . mtnboy");
document.write("<h5>Prostitution</h5>");
document.write("There should be no debate about this at all. Whether it is happening or not. Prosistution should not be legalized. When anyone has had there daughter or grand daughter shipped away tin human trafficaking then they will no the pain of Legalized prosistution. It breaks down the moral standards of a country. AS a nation we should stand up against the very thing that starts numerous crime activities. Transmitting sexual deseases etc. Has anu one spoken to the little girl that has been used as a sex slave? Men should look after their partners. Men should start looking after their families in stead of wondering into these activites. The yshould be faithful to their partners rather. Any man that is worh his salt and has a daughter should without thinking vote against legalizing prositution. There are enough challenges to deal with on a day to day basis in a home where the husband should be than looking for means to satisfy his desires which should be his partner he is commited too.. Mike");
document.write("<h5>Legalizing prositution</h5>");
document.write("I vote against it and it is time that MEN stand up and be counted. Men who believe in families. MEN who want their children to be safe. MEN who have moral standards. MEN who want to protect their families their grandchildren and fellow citerzens. Human trafficking I wonder if the average African American has forgotten what slavery is all about. I wonder if they can relate to the pain of slavery. This should not be a debate the goverment should stand firm and make the decision that they will not allow the country in its building stages to go down the drain because of men who do not have the guts to stand up for moral standards.. Mike");
document.write("<h5>Prostitution should never be allowed</h5>");
document.write("Ebrahim moolla you are an embarrassment to the Muslim community. Dont you know what Islam teaches you about prostitution? Wake up.. shu'ayb mohamed");
document.write("</div>");