Mothers' Union rejects legal brothels

THE Mothers' Union, one of the bastions of family life, has voted against supporting the legalisation of brothels after a five- month debate.

The traditionalist Christian group yesterday reaffirmed its belief that sex should take place only within a loving relationship.

However, opposition to legalisation has softened among the 250,000 members, and worries about health and welfare prompted the organisation to call on the Church and the Government to consider how to offer prostitutes greater protection.

In a policy document issued yesterday, the union says urgent attention must be paid to what drives women into prostitution. Fears about the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including Aids, prompted it to canvass members' opinion. It said the debate had highlighted the need for health checks, better protection against pimps and the possible decriminalisation of soliciting and kerb-crawling.