News & Commentary
[By Lin Shen-hsu and Lillian Lin]
Taipei, Nov. 7 (CNA) - For years, prostitutes caught in police raids in Taiwan were punished under the law, while their clients walked free. However, this law was challenged as "unfair" by two judges in a recent case involving two elderly prostitutes, and the justices' petition for a judicial review has led to an upcoming change in the rules.
The Constitutional Court decided Friday that the relevant article in the Social Order Maintenance Act violates the principle of equality enshrined in the Constitution, and that new regulations should be worked out by the administration and the legislature.
As amendment of the regulations and penalties pertaining to prostitution requires administrative and legislative review and planning, the Constitutional Court ruled that the existing law will be retained for two more years until Nov. 5, 2011.
Meanwhile, the judges suggested that the police and judicial authorities show "leniency" when dealing with the punishment of prostitutes, whom they described as socially disadvantaged individuals.
Under the existing act, law enforcement authorities may detain a prostitute for a maximum of three days or impose a fine of up to NT$30,000. Prostitutes could also be sent to reform institutions for a period of six months to a year, under the law.
According to the two Yilan District Court judges, Lin Chun-ting and Yang Kun-chiao, over the years they have encountered many cases of elderly prostitutes earning a mere NT$300 for each transaction, and in those cases prostitution was not really a choice but rather the only way to earn a living.
Out of pity for such prostitutes who face legal penalties, the two judges took the issue to the Constitutional Court, questioning the fairness of the law that absolves the clients of prostitutes.
The Constitutional Court's decision may give momentum to Taiwan's gender equality groups that have been calling for prostitution to be decriminalized.
When the decriminalization proposal was raised by Kuomintang Legislator Cheng Li-wen at the Legislative Yuan in mid June, some lawmakers suggested setting up special sex-industry zones, similar to the red-light districts in Amsterdam and Hamburg. However, most other legislators expressed reservations about the suggestion.
Source: Central News Agency website, Taipei, in English 1031 gmt 7 Nov 09
BBC Mon AS1 AsPol gb
Recent Headlines
When you open an account with Scottrade, you will get premium content on the News & Content page, including:
- Standard & Poor's News and Commentary
- Dow Jones News
- Briefing News and Commentary
- Market Edge On the Edge Commentary
Brokerage Products and Services offered by Scottrade, Inc. - Member FINRA and SIPC
Online market and limit stock trades are just $7 for stocks priced $1 and above.
Any specific securities, or types of securities, used as examples are for demonstration purposes only. No information on this Web site should be considered a recommendation or None of the information provided should be considered a recommendation or solicitation to invest in, or liquidate, a particular security or type of security.
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of a mutual fund carefully before investing. A mutual fund's prospectus contains this and other information about the mutual fund. Prospectuses are available through our trading site or through a Scottrade branch office. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing. No transaction fee (NTF) funds are subject to the terms and conditions of the NTF funds program. Scottrade is compensated by the funds participating in the NTF program through recordkeeping, shareholder, or SEC 12b-1 fees.
Investors should consider the investment objectives, charges, expense, and unique risk profile of an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) carefully before investing. Leveraged and Inverse ETFs may not be suitable for long-term investors and may increase exposure to volatility through the use of leverage, short sales of securities, derivatives and other complex investment strategies. A prospectus contains this and other information about the ETF and should be obtained from the issuer. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing.
Margin trading involves interest charges and risks, including the potential to lose more than deposited, or the need to deposit additional collateral in a falling market. Margin Disclosure Statement (PDF) is available for download, or it is available at one of our branch offices. It contains information on our lending policies, interest charges, and the risks associated with margin accounts.
Options involve risk and are not appropriate for all investors. Detailed information about the risks associated with options can be found in the Scottrade Options Application and Agreement, Brokerage Account Agreement, or by downloading the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options and Supplements (PDF) from The Options Clearing Corporation, or by requesting a copy from your local branch office. Supporting documentation for any claims will be supplied upon request.
Market volatility, volume, and system availability may impact account access and trade execution.
Testimonials may not be representative of the experience of other clients and are no guarantee of future performance or success.

