THE EDITOR, Sir:

One notes with concern the continued calls to legalise prostitution.

I am generally against occupations which thrive on human weaknesses and prostitution is one such.

Besides, legalising prostitution grants legitimacy to the idea that sex is a commodity. Already, in the society, we are having a problem with casual sex. Why do we want to compound this problem?

Why not strengthen the laws against prostitution and then bring some of the 'big men' before the courts? Such a move would almost be certain to have a debilitating effect on the practice!

Strict laws

I keep being puzzled at the reticence of our health officials in implementing solutions, which Uganda and some other African countries have adopted. In spite of their strict laws against prostitution, they have managed to reduce the rate of infection of HIV/AIDS.

Why can't we look to them? Or is it that we have the modern-day mind-set that refuses to accept that people's sexual practices do affect the society as a whole and that this does give the state the legitimate right to interfere?

Our health officials need to think again as to how public health problems can be dealt with within certain parameters. Other countries have done it, so can we.

I am, etc.,

S. RICHARDS

Ruthven Rd

Kingston 10