Legalizing Prostitution in Taiwan? The justices gave the Ma administration a deadline of 2 years until November before the annulment would come into effect. Now in the last few weeks before the law is set to lapse, there has been growing discussion in Taiwan about how the government plans to legalize the sex trade. Given the unique context of Taiwanese society, it is important for those outside Taiwan to realize that there is no universally valid answer to the many problems that arise from prostitution.
The problems we encounter in Taiwanese society are not exactly the same as those that arise in America or Europe. In the same way, the solutions that the Taiwanese community will find for its situation will not necessarily be the same as the solutions adopted by other nations. Rather than entering the debate with foreign presuppositions, we need to grasp the issues here in Taiwan.
If the government is determined to legalize prostitution in Taiwan, it is important that all members in this debate, including the churches, work together to ensure that the resulting legislation works to protect the welfare of those involved in prostitution, and does not just abandon these weaker members of society.
As a church community, we have reasons to be optimistic. No one is arguing that those trying to escape the sex trade should be forced to remain in it. If people want out, our first job is to get them out.
For those who choose to stay in the trade, our second task is to ensure that their rights and welfare are protected, and that they are not abused or exploited. One of the things we know about the historical Jesus was that he befriended prostitutes and worked against those who wanted to demonize prostitutes or view them as less than human. All human beings are loved by God, and need to be treated with the love and dignity that they deserve. Even though the Christian community in Taiwan is small, our expectation for the churches is that they will be actively engaged in this work: to help those who want to leave the sex trade to get out, and to help work for the constant welfare of those who choose to stay behind.
