Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (RJP)

Bangalore, Oct 15:“There has not been any debate in the government level as per the legalisation of prostitution is concerned. But public opinion on the issue will be respected,” said the home minister K J George in Bangalore on Tuesday.

“I have heard about the debates in various public platforms. I cannot say much about the issue now. But the government always respects the public opinion. At present, the decision on legalisation of prostitution cannot be taken.” He added.

Only on Monday, Mathe Mahadevi, the lone woman pontiff of Lingayats from Basava Dharma Peetha in Koodala Sangama had urged the government to legalise prostitution to curb the rape menace.

“I am not the first person to suggest legalisation of prostitution. Demand has come from several sections of the society. Unless we legalise prostitution, rapes and sexual harassment of women cannot be stopped. Legalising prostitution is the best deterrent to rapes,” Mathe had said.

Mahadevi also had demanded that the government set up a special committee to examine her suggestions.
“Ideally, the government should look into the aspects to solve the problems faced by the society. We need long-term measures to tackle these social evils.” Mathe had opined.

Mahadevi on the same occasion had also said that women were inviting unwanted attention and becoming soft targets for perverts and sex criminals by wearing skimpy clothes. These comments on clothes issue had attracted objection from various quarters.

Last month, the Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Umashree had confirmed about the reports of setting up a committee to look into the possibility of legalising prostitution. The Minister had said that committee would comprise of experts and would give the report on the pros and cons of legalisation of prostitution. After that nothing much was heard on the issue from her.