Plans to legalise prostitution for the 2010 football World Cup in South Africa have been criticised by religious groups and opposition parties.
The local authority in Durban wants legalised adult entertainment venues during the tournament.
But African Nazareth Democratic Movement (ANDM) president Thokozani Hlatshwayo said the proposal was "against the word of God".
Opposition parties fear that, if introduced, it could become permanent.
The youth wing of the Inkatha Freedom Party and the main opposition Democratic Alliance have condemned the suggestion.
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Durban's municipality said Germany had many adult entertainment centres during the World Cup in 2006, which were very popular with visitors.
It said while prostitution was illegal in South Africa, it could not ignore the fact that the sex industry thrives during major events like the World Cup.
To address this, entertainment centres such as strip clubs and escort agencies would be located in special areas where they would be safe and easily accessible.
Safe environments
City officials admit that there are already young girls and women working as prostitutes on the streets of Durban.
They say plans are already in place to help them operate in safe environments.
In January, MP George Lekgetho called for prostitution to be legalised during the tournament.
"It is one of the things that would make it a success," he said.
He told parliament that it would help cut incidences of rape.
The BBC's Mpho Lakaje in Johannesburg says his suggestion was met with derision by other MPs. But a group representing sex workers welcomed it.
"We would support any legalisation of sex work, particularly during the 2010 World Cup," Nicola Fick from the Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Task Force (Sweat) told the BBC.
The idea of legalising sex workers was first proposed last year by police commissioner Jackie Selebi, who has since been suspended over corruption charges.
Our correspondent says the final decision rests with the South African parliament which is yet to make a ruling on the matter.
(BBC)
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