And your petitioners humbly pray ...

Barmaids and Seduction (1884)

Transcription

To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Victoria, in Parliament assembled.

The Petition of the Convener of the Committee on the state of religion and morals, appointed by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria for & on behalf of said Committee.

Sheweth

That your Petitioner is the Convener of the Committee on the state of religion and morals appointed by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria.

That this petition is presented in pursuance of a resolution of said Committee.

That your petitioner as represent ing said Committee, cordially acquiesces on the proposal of the “shops” Commission to prohibit the employment of bar-maids, by Act of Parliament and further most heartily concurs on the measures proposed by the Social Purity Society in view of legislation for the mitigation of that lamentable and appalling vice Known as the “Social Evil”.

[1] That Your Petitioner as representing said Committee, would earnestly recommend that the criminal law be so amended as to raise the age from twelve to eighteen years, under which it shall be a misdemeanour unlawfully carnally to know any girl.

[2] That seduction of a female under twenty-one years of age, by the master in whose employ she may be, or by any manager or foreman, or person in authority over workwomen be made a misdemeanour, and that necessity for proof of loss of service be abolished in cases of civil action for seduction.

[3] That solicitation of prostitution, either by the man to the woman or the woman to the man, be equally an offence.

[4] That any person convicted of keeping or letting a house for immoral purposes be liable to punishment for misdemeanour.
Your petitioner humbly prays your Honourable House to take these premises into consideration, and to give effect, to the recommendation of the Committee appointed by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria dealing with questions so intimately connected with the welfare of the Community. And your petitioner will ever pray re

Daniel McKenzie Convener of the State of Religion & Morals of the Committee appointed by the Presbyterian Church of Victoria

Ordered to Lie on the Table
28 August 1884
Geo. H. Jenkins
Clerk of the Legislative Assembly

William Anderson

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