Anyone found purchasing sex in France will now receive a fine and be required to attend classes teaching the harms of prostitution.
MP’s have approved legislation on prostitution following long term disagreement. The law was passed by 64 votes to 12.
First time offenders will see a €1,500 (£1,200), rising to €3,750 which will be put on the person’s criminal record.
The move means France has joined the so called “Swedish Model” of prostitution, which criminalizes consumers rather than the sex workers. Norway and Iceland have also adopted the model.
Criminal defense lawyers in Bangkok Chaninat and Leeds have been successfully defending clients in Thailand for decades
Socialist MP Maud Olivier said the bill was to “reduce [prostitution], protect prostitutes who want to leave it and to change mentalities”.
Whereas those opposing the law fear that cracking down on clients could push sex workers further underground and make them even more vulnerable.
Read more on this story here.
Related:
Controversy Over Amnesty International’s Prostitution Plans
Yearning to be free: US Immigration and Thai Sex Workers
Ireland’s First Arrest Following New Prostitution Law
{ 0 comments… add one now }