THE EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY across the Caribbean is deeply concerned about the proposal to license sex workers in the region for Cricket World Cup.

"We are unalterably opposed to such a move. Our position is taken on these grounds," said Reverend Gerry Seale, general secretary and chief executive officer of the Evangelical Association of the Caribbean, said in a Press release yesterday.

He listed the following as some of the reasons:

* Prostitution exploits women and reinforces the male dominance of the woman in a manner that is unacceptable in the twenty-first century.

* Decriminalisation dignifies pimps, brothels, and sex clubs – something that is abhorrent to every Christian.

* Decriminalisation actually aids the trafficking of women and children for sex purposes and as these exploited people remain outside the legal framework, they are further marginalised and not in any way assisted by decriminalisation.

* Decriminalisation does not control prostitution, but expands it. There is an immediate and long-term increase in hidden, illegal and street prostitution completely outside the legal framework.

Seale said violence against women was integral to prostitution and decriminalisation did not address this aspect.

"Women's health is not in fact protected. At least one study has demonstrated that women in prostitution do not want legalisation and have no desire for their own daughters to embrace the profession," Seale added.

He noted that the Holy Bible was explicit in its opposition to prostitution.

According to him, the Evangelical Association of the Caribbean urges the following:

* Prostitution not be decriminalised in the Caribbean for Cricket World Cup or at any time.

* Legislation throughout the region dealing with violence against women be strengthened to include prostitution as violence against women and criminalise the men who seek to exploit women.

* All Caribbean governments commit to practical steps to alleviate the economic pressures on women who are forced to degrade themselves through this violent, unhealthy, and spiritually destructive trade.

* Legislation be enacted swiftly to ensure the coming into being of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy will not provide aid and comfort to those who traffic in women and children for sexual or any other purposes.

The release said the evangelical community was grateful for the principled stance taken by the governments of Barbados, St Kitts/Nevis, Guyana and Antigua/Barbuda.

"We note with appreciation the commitment of the Government of St Kitts and Nevis to engage a national discussion on these issues. We urge Evangelicals in the twin-island state to fully engage in this national discussion, mindful of the sometimes emotive nature of the issues to be discussed," the release said.