MANILA, Oct. 24, 2012—A Catholic bishop has added his voice to the growing criticisms over a United Nations report recommending that sex-related jobs be legalized in the country.
Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said that UN’s argument is morally unacceptable and does not improve the situation, but instead makes it worse.
“Give women real rights and decent jobs and not prostitution,” said Pabillo, chairman of the National Secretariat for Social Action – Justice and Peace.
The bishop also warned that if sex trade becomes legal, it would open a gate to predators to abuse more women.
The UN recently said that the Philippines and other Asian countries should legalize prostitution to help curb the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, especially HIV.
Titled “Sex Work and the Law in Asia and the Pacific, the report stated legal recognition of prostitution as an occupation enables sex workers to claim benefits and pensions.
However, the prelate rejected the idea decriminalizing sex trade will help control the spread of STDs.
“In fact HIV is still prevalent even in countries where prostitution is legal,” Pabillo said.
Instead of legalizing sex trade, he urged the government to focus on behavioral change, adding that HIV transmission can remain high if the problem of risky sexual behavior is not tackled. (RL/CBCPNews)
