212 MPs sign Call of Parliamentarians for the Abolition of Prostitution
- Created on Wednesday, 04 March 2015 17:02
A few weeks before the discussion in open session of the law proposal "Olivier-Coutelle" in the Senate, FYI, French MPs and members of CAP International organized a media presentation of the Call on March 4, 2015 to make an inventory of the progress of this bill.
Among those present were Catherine Coutelle, Chair of the Women's rights delegation of the Assemblée Nationale, Maud Olivier, Essonne MP, Rapporteur of the Bill « reinforcing the fight against prostitution », Guy Geoffroy, Seine-et-Marne MP and Chairman of the Special Committee, Michelle Meunier, Loire-Atlantique Senator and also the Commission's rapporteur and Grégoire Thery, Executive director of CAP International.
After the First International Congress for the Abolition of Prostitution of 12 and 13 November 2014, seven parliamentarians from four countries have launched a call for the abolition of prostitution. Today signed by 212 parliamentarians from ten different countries, this call should be considered in an international setting.
Its primary objective is the creation of an international movement of legislators, leading players in permanent contact with civil society. His second goal is to mobilize the UN and the European Commission and to emphasize the need for international harmonization of legislation. This struggle is not just French and so must extend beyond our borders.
Prostitution is a matter of international evidence. As could affirm Guy Geoffroy 'in the name of the fundamental principles of our Republic, we must act beyond political divisions, all together, unanimously'. Europe expects France on this subject. If it passes this stage, other countries could follow in the same direction. Recall that the Netherlands questioned the relevance of their regulationist legislation in the light of the continued existence of illegal prostitution.
In 2014, the European Parliament and the Council of Europe have made historic resolutions affirming that prostitution is incompatible with the principle of gender equality and therefore with the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
This press conference was an opportunity to reaffirm that the proposed law on prostitution will be the agenda of the Senate on 30 and 31 March. Michelle Meunier told today 'we are confident. '
Catherine Coutelle recalled misunderstanding of the situation by MPs during the vote on the bill in the National Assembly in December 2013. It was necessary to explain the situation to each parliamentarian, one by one, so that the bill is passed so understood.
The press has been too much tendency to reduce law to to the point which makes outlaw the purchase of sexual services. However, it has no meaning without its other aspects. Four strong and inseparable pillars constitute the proposed law: the fight against the activities of networks, support for prostitutes, educational actions with regard to youth and customer accountability measures including via their penalty.
Having obtained more signatures last two weeks than in previous months, this Call of Parliamentarians for the Abolition of Prostitution international character could positively influence the coming debate.
The fight against prostitution, the world's oldest tyranny imposed by some people over others, is a major fight, trans-partisan, that honors our republic, according to the words of Guy Geoffroy.
Finally, Catherine Coutelle announced: 'We are assured the Prime Minister that this text would go'