CAUSE FOR JUSTICE BECOMES OPPOSING PARTY IN THE LANDMARK PROSTITUTION COURT CASE

An important step forward in the fight for human dignity

By Clarina van Ieperen, CFJ Operations Coordinator

This week marked a significant milestone in the battle to uphold South Africa’s prostitution laws. On 1 and 2 September 2025, the High Court in Cape Town heard applications from organisations seeking to join the case for or against the decriminalisation of prostitution. Cause for Justice (CFJ) had its say in court and was joined by supporters campaigning on the steps outside the court.

Inside the courtroom: 

• CFJ was formally admitted to the litigation as an opposing party.
• A coalition of another four organisations was also granted leave to oppose the application for decriminalisation in addition to CFJ.
• The court admitted all 16 petitioning amici curiae (friends of the court):
  • 14 of which are in favour of decriminalisation, and
  • 2 opposed to full decriminalisation
• The court confirmed a timeline for the further exchange of pleadings up to the end of the year.
• The hearing of the merits of the case is scheduled to take place from 18 to 20 May 2026.

Outside the court, supporters of both sides gave expression to their viewpoints. Supporters of CFJ held a poster demonstration, proclaiming an alternative perspective – one that affirms the worth of every human being and opposes the commodification of the human body. The plain and undeniable truth is: 

“Prostitution violates the dignity of all women”

and 

“Prostitution is neither sex nor work.”

The court’s decision to allow CFJ and others to oppose the application is a crucial step on a long and arduous road ahead. With this ruling, the work begins in earnest: CFJ can now move forward with preparing its opposition on the merits of the case, and representing the public interest by showing why the current criminal ban on prostitution must remain in place.

This moment is a reminder that truth and justice require both legal action and public courage. As we look ahead, we invite you to stay engaged and in prayer. Stand with us in the fight for human dignity in law and in culture. 

Watch Ryan Smit share (in 90 seconds) the outcome of the court hearing on 1 September and what lies ahead for CFJ:

Read more about the cause, why CFJ is stepping up to defend the fundamental human dignity of every person, and how you can stay updated and support the cause: https://causeforjustice.org/the-case-against-the-legalisation-of-prostitution/