Government rejects call for legalised prostitution in official Hong Kong red light district
Security undersecretary says the move would involve major change in government policy and might breed other problems like triad involvement and blackmail
The government has rejected a suggestion from a lawmaker that a legal red light district could be set up in Hong Kong.
Undersecretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu was responding to a proposal from accounting sector lawmaker and Professsional Commons member Kenneth Leung during a meeting of the Legislative Council’s security panel.
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Leung said the city might take reference from other countries which allowed the establishments of red light districts to centralise prostitution activities.
His proposal was put forward during a panel discussion on ways to combat illegal prostitution.
Lee said the prostitution problem in the city was under control. He said the establishment of a red light district would involve major changes in government policy on the issue and comprehensive public consultations would be needed, and he therefore did not see the need to set up such a district.
He said red light districts could breed other problems like triad activities, blackmailing and underage sex.
During the meeting, Leung also suggested that tourism sector lawmaker Yiu Si-wing would back the idea as red light districts could boost the city’s visitor numbers.