The story we published on Monday about a brothel operating under the pretences of a striptease club, made interesting, if saucy reading. In fact, the number of reactions we have received regarding this particular feature was tellingly overwhelming.

But the point of the story was not to satisfy the curiosity of the peeping toms of this society. The initial point was to report on this ?new? Mauritian society and the kind of activities that lure more and more people. Despite allegations that prostitution was taking place at the place in question, we were never in a position to affirm this. We now are.

What disturbs me about this whole business is neither the fact that women are stripping nor that they are prostituting themselves. As long its done out of free will, it?s their bodies, their business and their prerogatives. No, what bothers me is the fact that last I heard, prostitution was illegal in this country. This club is operating under some kind of obscure ? and misleading ? licence and is making a mockery of the laws in this country right under the noses of those employed to protect and uphold those same laws.

I refuse to believe even for one minute that the authorities are not aware of what?s going on behind the posh doors of the X club. Logic then tells me that they know and have decided to turn a blind eye to it. Much to the relief of many happy customers, I might add.

Let?s not be self-righteous about this; prostitution and other X-rated activities have existed and proliferated since time immemorial and Mauritius is certainly no exception to that which has caused and will cause the downfall of man ? sex and money. No, we will never get rid of it and why should we? There?s clearly a demand for it and denying this would be sticking our hypocritical heads in the sand.

Seeing that the authorities will not shut down the place and will continue to plead ignorance, will we then consider legalising prostitution? Of course not! My, my! Could you just imagine the reactions of the goody-two-shoes of this country if such a suggestion was ever made? Can you imagine the reactions of the women MPs (especially the opposition) and that of Ajay Gunness and Alan Ganoo?

The Church might even get involved as will no doubt the virtuous Voice of Hindu and the Hizbullah and God knows who else. The MSM and its charismatic leader will organise a sit-in in front of parliament and Rajesh Bhagwan will find a way to hold Attorney General Rama Valayden responsible for it all. And there the debate will end, nipped in the bud, a bit like the aborted one on abortion.

No, why should we even consider legalising prostitution? Why do that and risk being labelled a pimp when it?s easier to pretend it doesn?t exist? Why promote respect for the law when we can make a farce of the notion of the rule of law ?

Why indeed.

But hang on a minute. Why ever not ? Surely some people have balls in this country?