Prostitution in Europe

The legality of Prostitution in Europe varies by country.

Prostitution in Albania

Prostitution in Albania is illegal but is a major exporter of illegal human trafficking. [ [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100544.htm Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Albania ] ]

Prostitution in Armenia

Prostitution is illegal in Armenia [ [http://www.dol.gov/ILAB/media/reports/iclp/TDA2001/armenia.htm Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) - U.S. Department of Labor ] ] [ [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78799.htm Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Armenia ] ] . Since the collapse of the Soviet Union poverty has increased and many women and children are resorting to the sex trade. [ [http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/armenia_496.html UNICEF - Armenia - Real lives ] ]

Prostitution in Austria

This is an example of regulated prostitution. Prostitution is legal but restricted by several regulations.

Prostitution in Azerbaijan

Prostitution in Azerbaijan is illegal but like many eastern European and Asian countries it is a major exporter of human trafficking for the sex trade. [ [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2003/27826.htm Azerbaijan ] ]

Prostitution in Belgium

Prostitution is legal in Belgium, but the exploitation of an individual through things such as pimping is against the law. Human trafficking or exploiting individuals for financial gain is punishable for a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. [cite web |url=http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2002/18355.htm |title=Belgium |accessdate=2008-05-26 |publisher= |date= ] There has been increasing public pressure for a debate about the possibility of legalizing prostitution. Many sex workers organisations feel that not legalising prostitution leaves sex workers vulnerable to exploitation. [cite web |url=http://www.expatica.com/be/life_in.html |title=Life In Belgium |accessdate=2008-05-26 |publisher= |date= ] [cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3068827.stm |title=Making Sex Pay |accessdate=2008-05-26 |publisher= |date= ] [ [http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2001/jun/24/andrewosborn.theobserver Squalid road that leads to Belgium | World news | The Observer ] ] [ [http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2003-11-04-beligan-brothels_x.htm USATODAY.com - In Belgium, brothels are big business ] ]

Prostitution in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Prostitution in Bosnia and Herzegovina is not criminalized. It is treated as violation of public order.

Prostitution in Bulgaria

Prostitution in Bulgaria is illegal. It originally gained a reputation as a transit for human trafficking, and now it has gained a reputation for being a destination for the sex trade to take place. [ [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78805.htm Country Report on Human Rights in Bulgaria ] ] [http://www.sofiaecho.com/article/fighting-the-sex-trade/id_8010/catid_29 Fighting the sex trade - Features news ] ] The Bulgarian government is stepping up its efforts to eradicate human trafficking.. The sex trade is major money maker for Bulgarian criminals. [ [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3071975/ Country report: Bulgaria - June 2001: SEX SLAVES: Europe's trade in women - MSNBC.com ] ] [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4532617.stm BBC NEWS | Business | Sex trade's reliance on forced labour ] ] [ [http://www.reuters.com/article/email/idUSL1291056220071212 Crime gangs make billions from Bulgaria sex slaves | Reuters ] ] The Bulgarian government did consider legalizing prostitution. [ [http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/10/05/america/bulgaria.php Bulgaria moves away from legalizing prostitution - International Herald Tribune ] ]

Prostitution in Cyprus

Cyprus has been criticized by the US State Department [cite web |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXH6mQ9yWUU |title=Cyprus's Struggle with the Sex Trade |accessdate=2008-05-26 |publisher= |date= ] for failing to control the follow of illegal immigrants and legal to be involved in forced prostitution. Cyprus has gained a reputation for being a major transit point for people smugglers to transport women for the purposes of prostitution. International observers have criticized the government for its lack of action to prevent forced prostitution. The law of Cyprus forbids forced (but not voluntary) prostitution. However, its believed that many immigrants are hired as bar maids and coerced into prostitution by this method. [ [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100554.htm Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Cyprus ] ]

Prostitution in Croatia

Like in many other Southeast European countries, the problem of human trafficking for the purposes of sex is big in Croatia. However, prostitution is illegal and, according the U.S. State Department, Croatia is a tier 1 country, actively acting to prevent and punish sex trade.cite web
url = http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78806.htm
title = Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Croatia
date = 2007-03-06
accessdate = 2008-10-10
work = United States Department of State] cite web
url = http://www.sofiaecho.com/article/mixed-results-against-people-trafficking-in-south-eastern-europe/id_29987/catid_68
title = Mixed results against people trafficking in South-Eastern Europe
date = 2008-06-17
last = Leviev-Sawyer
first = Clive
accessdate = 2008-10-10
work = SofiaEcho.com]

Prostitution in the Czech Republic

Ever since the Czechoslovakian Velvet Revolution (1989) led to the creation of the two independent states Czech Republic and Slovakia, prostitution has been flourishing, and has contributed its share to the region's booming tourist economy. It is widespread in Prague and areas near the Republic's western borders with Germany and Austria. In 2002, the Czech Statistical Bureau estimated the trade to be worth six billion crowns ($217 million) a year. [cite web|url = http://www.svu2000.org/women/prostitution.htm|title = Prostitution in the Czech Republic|accessdate = 2006-10-04|author = SVU|date = April 05 2002] Current estimates indicate there are 10,000 to 25,000 prostitutes in the country. In Prague, the city's third district (Praha 3), immediately east of the center, is home to much of the city's sex industry. As of January, 2008, prostitutes could be found in the local Czech classifieds newspapers for approximately 1,000 crowns per hour.

Prostitution in Denmark

Prostitution in Denmark is legal, and has been since changes in the penal codes the 17th of March, 1999, but practically had been legal for a long time prior to the changes to the penal code. However, prostitution is not a recognized field of work, and as such is not protected under the workers protection laws, unemployment benefits etc. [ [http://prostitution.procon.org/viewresource.asp?resourceID=772#denmark Prostitution Policies Around the World - Prostitution ProCon.org ] ]

The age of consent in Denmark is 15 years, however, prostitution is 18 years, and sex with a person below 18 years of age as an act of prostitution is a serious offense. [ [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2002/18362.htm;] ] [ [http://www.interpol.int/Public/Children/SexualAbuse/NationalLaws/csaDenmark.asp;] ]

The traditional center for prostitution in Copenhagen is the district behind the Copenhagen Central Rail Station beyond Reventlowsgade, but in recent years the number of streetwalkers and sexually oriented businesses in this area has declined. Like many other European cities, many prostitutes now use internet based ads for incall and outcall services.

Prostitution in Estonia

Prostitution is not illegal in Estonia but inducing or forced prostitution is. [ [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2002/18363.htm Estonia ] ] [ [http://www.protectionproject.org/estonia.doc] ]

Prostitution in Finland

Prostitution is legal in Finland except in public places. Pimping is illegal. In June 2006, parliament voted by 158 to 15 with four abstentions to approve a bill which outlaws the buying of sexual services from prostitutes if it is linked to human trafficking. [ [http://www.protectionproject.org/finland.doc] ]

Prostitution in France

Prostitution is legal in France but many activities surrounding it are not.

Prostitution in Georgia

Prostitution is neither legal nor banned in Georgia and it is widespread especially in the capital of Tbilisi. [ [http://www.geotimes.ge/index.php?m=home&newsid=899] prostitution in Georgia] Many NGO's attribute this to the harsh economic conditions according to the US State Department. [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100560.htm Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Georgia ] ] [ [http://www.interpol.int/public/Children/SexualAbuse/NationalLaws/csaGeorgia.asp Sexual Offences Laws - Georgia ] ] Many women from Georgia are of Human Trafficking operations to or from countries. Women who are forced to be prostitutes are in Georgia are often from Asia and neighboring European countries.

In 2006 the country incorporated into its domestic law the "Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children", supplementing the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, and the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. The punishment for human trafficking in Georgia is 15 years. There is also a special law to protect families of Georgian women who fear reprisals from gang masters of women who refuse to forced into prostitution abroad.

Prostitution in Germany

Prostitution is legal in Germany. In 2002, the government changed the law in an effort to improve the legal situation of prostitutes. However, the social stigmatization of prostitutes persists, forcing most prostitutes to lead a double life. Authorities consider the common exploitation of women from Eastern Europe to be the main problem associated with the occupation.

Prostitution in Greece

Prostitution is now legal in Greece. Greek authorities decided to implement a 1999 law which stipulates that all brothels must have permits. Prostitutes must undergo regular health checks and pay social security. [ [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2002/18368.htm Greece ] ] [ [http://www.protectionproject.org/greece.doc] ] Street prostitution is dominated by Albanian refugees and immigrants. [ [http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9707/04/greece.albania.prostitutes/index.html CNN - Albanians muscling in on Greek prostitutes - July 4, 1997 ] ]

Prostitution in Hungary

Prostitution is legal in Hungary and has been legalized and regulated by the government since 1999. Under the law, prostitutes are basically professionals who engage in sexual activities in exchange for money. The government allows this activity as long as they pay taxes and keep legal documents.

Prostitution in Iceland

Prostitution became legal in Iceland after a new provision in the Penal Code was accepted by parliament on March 17. It is both legal to solicit sex and to buy sexual services, but it is illegal for a third party to profit from prostitution

Prostitution in Ireland

Prostitution itself is not illegal in the Republic of Ireland, but the law criminalises many activities associated with it. Female escort prostitution is widespread in Irish cities.

Prostitution in Kazakhstan

Prostitution in Kazakhstan is not illegal, forced prostitution, prostitution connected to organized crime, and acts facilitating prostitution, such as operating a brothel or prostitution ring, are illegal.

Prostitution is a serious problem. NGOs reported that criminal prostitution rings often included local law enforcement officials. [ [http://www.protectionproject.org/kazakhstan.doc] ] [ [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100615.htm Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Kazakhstan ] ]

Prostitution in Latvia

Prostitution is legal in Latvia, prostitutes are required to take monthly health checks. It is a popular destination for sex tourism. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/crossing_continents/4633647.stm BBC NEWS | Programmes | Crossing Continents | Latvia prepares for a tourist invasion ] ] [ [http://www.interpol.int/Public/Children/SexualAbuse/NationalLaws/csaLatvia.asp Sexual Offences Laws - Latvia ] ] [ [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2001/eur/8279.htm Latvia ] ]

Prostitution in Liechtenstein

Prostitution in Liechtenstein is illegal but is tolerated by the police as long as it is not street prostitution. [ [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100568.htm Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Liechtenstein ] ] [ [http://www.un.org/.../content/english/CONCLUDING_COMMENTS_ENGLISH/Liechtenstein/Liechtenstein%20-%20CO-1.pdf] ] [http://www.interpol.int/Public/Children/SexualAbuse/NationalLaws/csaLiechtenstein.pdf]

Prostitution in Luxembourg

Prostitution is legal in Luxembourg but pimping and people trafficking incur severe penalties. [http://www.europarl.europa.eu/hearings/20040119/femm/document1_en.pdf] [ [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78825.htm Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Luxembourg] ]

Prostitution in Malta

Prostitution in Malta is currently illegal and can receive punishments of up 5 years imprisonment especially for child prostitution. [ [http://www.interpol.int/public/Children/SexualAbuse/NationalLaws/csaMalta.asp Sexual Offences Laws - Malta ] ] The US state Department considers Malta a major transit point for human trafficking for the purpose of sex. [ [http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=70767 INDEPENDENT online ] ]

Prostitution in Moldova

Prostitution in Moldova is currently illegal but because it is Europe's poorest country it is a major exporter of human trafficking of women for the purposes of the sex trade. [ [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100573.htm Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in Moldova ] ]

[ [http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/flash_point/001moldova/ The Price of Sex] ] [ [http://www.tiraspoltimes.com/node/653 Moldova: Lower prices behind sex slavery boom and child prostitution] ] [ [http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A20602-2002Nov6?language=printer In Struggling Moldova, Desperation Drives Decisions] ] [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3243679.stm Trafficking troubles poor Moldova] ] [ [http://www.tiraspoltimes.com/node/1745 Moldovan sex slaves released in U.K. human trafficking raids] ] [ [http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2001/dec/02/anthonybrowne.theobserver Drugs push scarred land to the brink] ]

Prostitution in the Netherlands

Prostitution is legal in the Netherlands and common. A majority of the women working in prostitution are foreigners, and the country is fighting against human trafficking.

Prostitution in Norway

Prostitution is legal in Norway, although there are plans to criminalize it because street prostitution has become an increasing problem. [ [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2002/18384.htm] [http://sundaytimes.lk/070722/International/i511.html] ]

Prostitution in Poland

Prostitution is present in various forms in Poland. There are no houses of prostitution, but there are call-girl agencies, massage parlors, and other methods of contact. Often the escort agencies provide sex services. [ [http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/MeetingAbstracts/102232814.html New prostitution phenomena in Poland] ] According to the Polish police, there are about 12,000 prostitutes working in Poland. [ [http://www2.hu-berlin.de/sexology/IES/poland.html The International Encyclopedia of Sexuality: Poland ] ]

Human trafficking is also a problem in Poland. Poland is a destination country for women trafficked from Bulgaria. It is also a transit country for women from Ukraine, Lithuania and Belarus. At least 3,500 Bulgarian women are in Poland and more than 1,000 from Ukraine and Belarus. [ [http://www.uri.edu/artsci/wms/hughes/poland.htm Poland] ]

Prostitution in Portugal

Prostitution in Portugal is not covered by a specific law, and it is tolerated on an individually-organized basis. Several other prostitution-related activities are outlawed in Portugal, and widely disapproved, like human trafficking, whoremongering, pimping and prostitution of children. By the mid-2000s, the number of female prostitutes was estimated at 28,000, at least 50% were foreigners.pt icon João Saramago, [http://www.correiomanha.pt/noticiaImprimir.asp?idCanal=186&id=153608 Estrangeiras dominam prazer] , Correio da Manhã (17th March 2005)] [http://www.people.ex.ac.uk/watupman/undergrad/aac/port.htm Sex work and Sexual Exploitation in the European Union - The Situation in Portugal] ]

Prostitution in the Republic of Macedonia

Prostitution in the Republic of Macedonia is illegal but flourish in the balk lands as it is a major transit point for prostitution to the west. [ [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78826.htm Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Macedonia ] ] [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F01E5DF133DF93BA15754C0A9679C8B63] The Macedonian government is trying to clampdown on prostitution. [ [http://www.peacewomen.org/news/Macedonia/newsarchive03/sextrade.html Sex Slave Racket Clampdown in Macedonia ] ] . The trafficking of women for sex is worth billions in Macedonia and is run albanian gangsters. [ [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3071971 Sex, drugs and guns in the Balkans - June 2001: SEX SLAVES: Europe's trade in women - MSNBC.com ] ]

Prostitution in Romania

Prostitution is illegal in RomaniaCite web| url=http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2002/18387.htm| title=Country Reports on Human Rights Practices| accessdate=2008-02-09| publisher=U.S. Department of State|year=2003| language=English] Cite web|url=http://www.protectionproject.org/romania.doc|title=Romania|accessdate=2008-02-09|publisher=Project Protection|format=.doc|language=English] but the government is considering to legalise and regulate it, in an attempt to combat human trafficking. This has been met with criticism from the Orthodox Church.Cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKL2864579420070228|title=Romania minister plans to legalise prostitution|accessdate=2008-02-09|publisher=Reuters UK|year=2007|language=English]

Prostitution in Russia

Prostitution is illegal in Russia, but is not a serious crime. The maximum punishment is a fine up to 2000 rubles; however, organizing prostitution is punishable by a prison term.

Prostitution in Serbia

Prostitution in Serbia is illegal and can incur a prison sentence of between 5 and 10 years. Prostitution is a major problem in Kosovo. [ [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78837.htm] [http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/EUR70/001/2005] ] The police are unwillingly to consider legalising it despite demands from sex workers. [ [http://www.peacewomen.org/news/SerbiaMontenegro/newsarchive03/Serbiansextrade.html Booming Sex Trade in Serbia Overwhelms Police ] ]

Prostitution in Slovakia

Prostitution in Slovakia is neither legal or illegal but solicting for sexual service is illegal. [ [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61674.htm 2005 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in the Slovak Republic ] ] [http://www.protectionproject.org/human_rights_reports/report_documents/slovakia.doc] [http://www.interpol.int/Public/Children/SexualAbuse/NationalLaws/CsaSlovakia.pdf] [ [http://www.spectator.sk/articles/view/12576/1/ Oldest profession is risky business in Slovakia - The Slovak Spectator ] ]

Prostitution in Slovenia

Prostitution in Slovenia is illegal but tolerated as long as it is not publicly solicited before it was a punishable offense. But now it tolerated by the police if not endorsed. [http://www.interpol.com/Public/Children/SexualAbuse/NationalLaws/CsaSlovenia.pdf] [ [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78839.htm Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Slovenia ] ] [ [http://www.interpol.int/public/Children/SexualAbuse/NationalLaws/csaSlovenia.asp Sexual Offences Laws - Slovenia ] ]

Prostitution in Spain

Prostitution in Spain is in a legal limbo although it's not illegal, owning or running brothels has been illegal since 1956. The pimps and owners of brothels are punished. Many massage parlors operate as whiskerías or 'clubs' and are tolerated. [ [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2002/18392.htm Spain ] ] [ [http://news.my.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1251499 Madrid red-light district to chase away prostitution, drugs - MSN Malaysia News - News ] ]

Prostitution in Sweden

Prostitution in Sweden is technically illegal, since it is a crime to purchase the service. Sweden considers prostitution a form of violence against women so the crime does not lie in the prostitute selling sexual services, but in the customer's buying of such services. [cite news
last = Casciani
first = Dominic
title = Prostitution: International answers
publisher = BBC News
date = 2004-07-16
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3900361.stm
accessdate = 2007-06-19 ]

In 1907 prostitution was legalized; [cite news
last = Walla
first = Claire
title = Career Women, Outcasts or Criminals?
publisher = City on a Hill Press
date = 2007-02-22
url = http://cityonahillpress.com/article.php?id=400
accessdate = 2007-06-19 ] in 1999 the act of buying the service was criminalized. [cite news
title = Sweden's prostitutes ply their trade on the Net
publisher = The Age
date = 2003-01-16
url = http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/01/16/1042520720227.html
accessdate = 2007-06-19 ]

Prostitution in Switzerland

Prostitution in Switzerland is regulated. It is legal to advertise for "massages" in Swiss tabloid newspapers, although there are also streetwalkers in red light districts. [ [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2002/18394.htm Switzerland ] ] Pimping is however illegal. Licensed brothels, typically with a reception and leading to several studio apartments, are available. However, most prostitutes choose to operate independently, using newspaper advertisements, mobile phones and secondary rented apartments. Swiss prostitutes pay VAT (Value added tax) on their services and some accept credit cards. The majority of prostitutes are foreigners from Latin America, Eastern Europe or the Far East.

Prostitution in Turkey

It is legally permitted to be a prostitute in Turkey but woman needs to be registered and acquire an ID card stating the dates of her health checks. Also it is mandatory for registered prostitutes to have regular health checks for sexually transmitted diseases. The police are allowed to check the authenticity of registered prostitutes to determine whether they have been examined properly and to ensure they see the health authorities if they don't. Men cannot register under this regulation. Most sex workers, however, are unregistered, as local governments have made it policy no to issue new registrations. As a result most sex workers in Turkey are not registered sex workers, working in violation of the law. [ [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2002/18396.htm Turkey ] ] [ [http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/06/26/news/turkey.php Turkey's sex trade entraps Slavic women - International Herald Tribune ] ]

Prostitution in Ukraine

Prostitution is illegal in Ukraine, but widespread and largely ignored by the government. Sex tourism rose as the country attracted greater numbers of foreign tourists. Laws criminalizing organized prostitution and penalties for human trafficking have had little effect because many convicted traffickers often do not end up serving prison time.

Prostitution in the United Kingdom

Prostitution in the United Kingdom is not formally illegal, but several activities surrounding it are outlawed.

References