English bishop supports campaign to legalize prostitution

Published: 2007-11-08

PORTSMOUTH, England (CNS) -- A Catholic bishop has said he supports a controversial campaign to legalize prostitution in Britain. Bishop Crispian Hollis of Portsmouth said he did not condone prostitution but could see the merits of regulating the practice. "If you are going to take a pragmatic view and say prostitution happens, I think there's a need to make sure it's as well-regulated as possible for the health of people involved and for the safety of the ladies themselves," the bishop told the Portsmouth News Nov. 7. "That's not to say I approve of prostitution in any way. I don't. I would be very much happier if there was no prostitution in Portsmouth or anywhere else, because I do regard those involved in any way as involved in some form of immorality," the bishop said. "But it's going to be there whatever we do -- it has been from time immemorial, so I think that's something we have to be realistic about," he added.

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