|
|
 |
 |
|
| Closure of 'dance restaurants' will promote prostitution: Lawmakers - Sep 29, 2008 |
Kathmandu NewsLine: Lawmakers have said that the government has only promoted prostitution by putting a ban on late-night dance bars and night clubs.
Noted women rights activist and CPN-UML lawmaker Sapana Malla Pradhan warned that the closure of dance bars and night clubs after 11 pm could force large number of women currently employed there into prostitution, adding that the government should offer these women alternative jobs if they want to avoid the scenario.
"The problems won't be solved by cutting the income source of women who have been earning their living by dancing," Pradhan said speaking at a programme HIV and AIDS organized by various local NGOs including the European Union in Pokhara Sunday. "The government should offer these women alternative jobs before closing down dance bars."
Dhanaraj Gurung, a Nepali Congress lawmaker, demanded that the government regulate such dance restaurants instead of using force to close it down. Citing the example of developed countries that have regulated sex industry with necessary laws, Gurung said, "The government will only aggravate the problem by forcing the closure of dance bars, as it is directly linked with the livelihood of many people working there."
People working in dance bars and night clubs have been protesting the government's decision. They say that the government's order will lead to closure of not only dance bars but all night business establishments.
Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bamdev Gautam had tightened grips on these establishments alleging them of staging nude dances and contributing to increasing vulgarity and crime.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
