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More to the point, why shouldn't she? I think she does. If they can give it to a New Zealander on the Queen's Birthday Honours list, i don't see why they can't give it to someone here! Besides,she's done more than the average Cricketer (Denis Lillee excluded of course!)
A former sex worker who fought to reform New Zealand prostitution laws has been made a dame
By Zaina Alibhai
Tuesday, 5th June 2018, 2:19 pm
Updated Friday, 6th September 2019, 8:33 pm
New Zealand Prostitutes' Collective - founded by Catherine Healy - has been at the forefront of law reform for sex workers (Photo: New Zealand Prostitutes' Collective)
A former sex worker who helped decriminalise prostitution in New Zealand has been made a dame in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
Catherine Healy, 62, has fought for the rights of sex workers for decades and was awarded the Order of Merit for her services to the reform the industry.
The i newsletter cut through the noise
The activist said the honour was "very significant" but admitted there was work to do be done in countries across the world that still ostracised sex work.
Healy told the BBC: "I was startled when this was offered. I'm in shock.
"I think even a few weeks ago I wouldn't have thought this was possible. It's indicative of a shift in people's attitudes and it's lovely to feel supported."
New Zealand Prostitutes' Collective
Healy founded New Zealand Prostitutes' Collective (NZPC), an organisation that advocates for the rights, health and empowerment of sex workers, in 1987.
NZPC struck a deal with the Minister of Health that provided a range of services to sex workers, with an emphasis on the prevention of HIV and AIDS. Several clinics were set up across New Zealand that offered information, support and networking among the working women.
In the years that followed, NZPC campaigned for a repeal in the laws against sex work alongside other activism group, and the Prostitution Reform Bill finally passed Parliament in 2003 by a single vote.
Prostitution was decriminalised, along with soliciting, brothel-keeping and procuring a living off sex work. Those who wanted to own and operate a brothel were also required to obtain certification, and sex workers were subject to the employment and health and safety rules as any other occupation.
A former sex worker who fought to reform New Zealand prostitution laws has been made a dame
By Zaina Alibhai
Tuesday, 5th June 2018, 2:19 pm
Updated Friday, 6th September 2019, 8:33 pm
A former sex worker who helped decriminalise prostitution in New Zealand has been made a dame in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
Catherine Healy, 62, has fought for the rights of sex workers for decades and was awarded the Order of Merit for her services to the reform the industry.
The i newsletter cut through the noise
The activist said the honour was "very significant" but admitted there was work to do be done in countries across the world that still ostracised sex work.
Healy told the BBC: "I was startled when this was offered. I'm in shock.
"I think even a few weeks ago I wouldn't have thought this was possible. It's indicative of a shift in people's attitudes and it's lovely to feel supported."
New Zealand Prostitutes' Collective
Healy founded New Zealand Prostitutes' Collective (NZPC), an organisation that advocates for the rights, health and empowerment of sex workers, in 1987.
NZPC struck a deal with the Minister of Health that provided a range of services to sex workers, with an emphasis on the prevention of HIV and AIDS. Several clinics were set up across New Zealand that offered information, support and networking among the working women.
In the years that followed, NZPC campaigned for a repeal in the laws against sex work alongside other activism group, and the Prostitution Reform Bill finally passed Parliament in 2003 by a single vote.
Prostitution was decriminalised, along with soliciting, brothel-keeping and procuring a living off sex work. Those who wanted to own and operate a brothel were also required to obtain certification, and sex workers were subject to the employment and health and safety rules as any other occupation.
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