When it comes to sex labor law, Germany has been hailed by many as the country with the best common sense approach. In 2002, laws were introduced that legitimized the industry, and this has fallen out of hand with organizations such as Amnesty International, which recently called for the complete decriminalization of sex work.
However, it seems that there could be a different approach that could possibly be taken. Chancellor Angela Merkel's grand coalition government of Christian Democrats and Social Democrats is trying to revise the law, a move that has sparked much debate.
The plan is for prostitutes to remain in regular contact with the authorities and to turn to the local health office's consulting service. They also want to force the use of a condom.
However, according to the German AIDS Federation, the Women's Council and various religious groups, this will cause more problems than it solves.
They say the first goal of any legislation should be to strengthen the rights of prostitutes, which will mean social surveillance and stigma.
It is also felt that asking prostitutes to register with the authorities could lead to many women working illegally.
All this has resulted from what is claimed to be a jump in human trafficking. Girls from poor countries, such as Romania and Bulgaria, are apparently tricked into coming to Germany with false job offers in other industries. I don't have the numbers to teach, but if that's the case, it's not a good thing.
A complete discussion
At the moment, the bill is being discussed between government departments and federal organizations. The information groups were asked to submit them.
Now, I am struck by the fact that in Germany these opposing voices will actually be heard, instead of in other countries, their appearances being more of an exercise in the checkboxes.
Now I would never want to start speaking on behalf of escorts. Yes, I understand the difference between the Romanian model and decriminalization and I realize that the latter is more beneficial. However, when it comes to trafficking and adapting liberal laws to something, although less free than I am now, freer than we see in most countries, I will give in to the views of sex workers.
It is certainly a decision that must be made correctly, for the benefit of sex workers throughout Germany, and it must be right, because Germany is so strong, Europe in general.
So what to think then boys and girls? Is it a wise move? Or are all sexual, religious, and women's health groups right?
Let us know in the escort forum or in the comments section below.
