Jack the ripper’s back – Providing a Context May 10, 2008
The Million Woman rise march was meant to be an occasion for women’s groups to come together and share their problem in an atmosphere of complete solidarity and understanding. I shouldn’t have been surprised that in the end, politics came in the way.
As members of the ECP voiced their outrage at Teresa McKay being hushed, questions were raised about the Coalition’s good faith.
Why was Teresa McKay stopped from speaking? Was it really a matter of organisation, or was it pure bigotry? The ECP made sure her speech was published online for everyone interested to see.
The draft speech can be found in the All women count website (http://www.allwomencount.net/EWC%20Sex%20Workers/Teresa’sbannedspeech.htm)
A year and a half ago, 5 women were brutally killed in the area surrounding Ipswich in Suffolk, England by Steve Wright, a regular prostitute haunter. The incident was a grotesque reminiscent of the Yorskhire murders, which also affected prostitutes. These murders received a lot of media attention and raised some issues in regards to the UK law on prostitution and the working conditions of sex workers.
Teresa MCKay wished to revisit these issues and question the government’s response through the reformed Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill
· Health and Safety
· Representation
· Poverty and Inequality
· Employment rights
Two months ago the Coalition didn’t have a policy on it. I spoke to Sabrina Qureshi from the MWR coalition to find out if things had changed, following the events. They are yet to form any policies, but consultations will start by the end of this month. A part from the MWR coalition and the various organisations, these problems are for everyone to consider. Prostitution, as any social is, affects everyone in society and the law should not be solely put together by the parliamentary lobbies.
