by Pauline ETIENNE

Three women and two men were arrested after the police made a raid at the Ritz Club in Baie-du-Tombeau. The three ladies were arrested because they were dancing almost naked on stage. How many of us were shocked by the news? Let?s make a bet? I am sure, no one! The court might rule that striptease is an illegal activity but the fact remains ? apologies to those who might find it shocking ? that it is healthy for a society to have such activities!

Let us end the hypocrisy about sexual activities in this country and face reality! There is nothing wrong in going to see women dance on a stage. The moral issue appears only if the person who goes to see the show is not single but, then, it becomes a personal issue to deal with. It should not have anything to do with law!

Such clubs work quite well and this may prove that there is a need for such activities. In a country where there is not much night life, where traditions might stifle people?s personalities and where sex has always been taboo, striptease might be a safe way of letting out inhibitions. These clubs are especially made for ?satisfying? some people and going there could reduce the risks that they go out in the streets and annoy women and ladies!

And the same logic could be extended to pornographic movies and even brothels. Humans were made with fantasies and needs. Prostitution has existed for centuries and there is no reason that it disappears because human nature will not change. Just as striptease clubs, prostitution is a way of channelling the fantasies and energy of some men, which might otherwise appear in the form of rape or sexual assaults.

In France, they have come to an agreement on this issue: prostitution is not prohibited as a private activity but law punishes any public expression. As soon as such activities are done within four walls and of one?s own free will, then it is a way of making sure that society is not stuck with taboos and people can express themselves within certain limits. It might reduce risks of paedophilia, rapes and other atrocious crimes.

But let?s not dream! There is a long way ahead before any political leader has the courage to come forward with the proposal of legalising prostitution. Mauritius is such a hypocritical society that we prefer to wear blinkers rather than face reality. But we could at least expect a move from the authorities to make striptease clubs legal. After all, everyone knows such practices exist and most of these people have already been in such places. So, why continue hiding behind outdated appearances? It would be better controlled if a law were there to clearly state the limits?