SEX SHOP IN FRONT OF PARLIAMENT UNDESIRABLE

28 May 2014

The Office of the ANC Chief Whip notes with grave concern the re-emerging of the adult shop that trades in pornographic material in front of the buildings of Parliament on Plein Street in Cape Town. The same store, Adult World, attempted to open in 2004 but was closed following strong objections (see M&G Online report).

The opening of such store within the vicinity of the Houses of Parliament does not auger well for the integrity and standing of such a constitutional body. Since 1994 this Parliament has transformed into an open and accessible institution which daily welcomes scores of people from all walks of life - including school children, religious communities and tourists. Having stores of this nature next to Parliament may offend certain people's moral sensibilities or belief systems and discourage them from visiting Parliament. Parliament cannot claim to be accessible and open to the public when, it has on its doorstep, certain businesses which people might find morally offensive.

We will request Parliament to seek a legal opinion regarding the lawfulness of having such store trading right in front of the institution. The City of Cape Town must, within the context of its own bylaws, also explain the decision to permit such business next to Parliament.

Statement issued by the Office of the ANC Chief Whip, May 28 2014

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