The Prostitution (Reform) Act 2000

The Prostitution (Reform) Act 2000 is a law enacted in New Zealand that decriminalizes prostitution, meaning sex work is treated as a legal profession. It aims to improve health, safety, and human rights for sex workers by removing criminal penalties for activities like selling sex, while still prohibiting activities such as street solicitation or underage involvement. The legislation emphasizes consent, safety, and the dignity of sex workers, allowing them to operate more openly and access legal protections. Overall, it seeks to regulate and normalize sex work within a framework prioritizing autonomy and safety.