News
August 24, 2025
Cash, condoms and the law: Kiwi sex workers reveal all in new book
In the early 1990s, police officers confiscated condoms as evidence of sex work "offences"
**Cash, condoms and the law: Kiwi sex workers reveal all in new book**
A new book is shedding light on the realities of sex work in New Zealand, offering a raw and unflinching look at the lives, challenges, and legal battles faced by sex workers. The book, featuring firsthand accounts, delves into the complex relationship between sex workers and the law, revealing a history marked by stigma, discrimination, and at times, outright persecution.
One particularly disturbing revelation within the book details practices from the early 1990s, when police officers routinely confiscated condoms as evidence of "offences" related to sex work. This practice, intended to suppress the industry, had a devastating impact on the health and safety of sex workers. By removing access to condoms, law enforcement actively undermined efforts to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections, forcing sex workers to choose between their livelihood and their well-being.
The book highlights how this tactic instilled fear and distrust, making it even harder for sex workers to report crimes or seek help from authorities. The fear of arrest, coupled with the lack of legal protection, left them vulnerable to exploitation and violence.
Beyond the issue of condom confiscation, the book explores the broader legal landscape surrounding sex work in New Zealand. It examines the debates leading up to the decriminalization of prostitution in 2003 and the ongoing challenges in ensuring sex workers have access to the same rights and protections as other workers.
Through personal stories and insightful analysis, the book aims to challenge common misconceptions about sex work and promote a more nuanced understanding of the issues involved. It seeks to amplify the voices of those who have often been marginalized and silenced, providing a platform for them to share their experiences and advocate for their rights. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in social justice, human rights, and the evolving legal landscape surrounding sex work in New Zealand.
A new book is shedding light on the realities of sex work in New Zealand, offering a raw and unflinching look at the lives, challenges, and legal battles faced by sex workers. The book, featuring firsthand accounts, delves into the complex relationship between sex workers and the law, revealing a history marked by stigma, discrimination, and at times, outright persecution.
One particularly disturbing revelation within the book details practices from the early 1990s, when police officers routinely confiscated condoms as evidence of "offences" related to sex work. This practice, intended to suppress the industry, had a devastating impact on the health and safety of sex workers. By removing access to condoms, law enforcement actively undermined efforts to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections, forcing sex workers to choose between their livelihood and their well-being.
The book highlights how this tactic instilled fear and distrust, making it even harder for sex workers to report crimes or seek help from authorities. The fear of arrest, coupled with the lack of legal protection, left them vulnerable to exploitation and violence.
Beyond the issue of condom confiscation, the book explores the broader legal landscape surrounding sex work in New Zealand. It examines the debates leading up to the decriminalization of prostitution in 2003 and the ongoing challenges in ensuring sex workers have access to the same rights and protections as other workers.
Through personal stories and insightful analysis, the book aims to challenge common misconceptions about sex work and promote a more nuanced understanding of the issues involved. It seeks to amplify the voices of those who have often been marginalized and silenced, providing a platform for them to share their experiences and advocate for their rights. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in social justice, human rights, and the evolving legal landscape surrounding sex work in New Zealand.
Category:
World