Federal Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU) has convened an expert commission to draft proposals aimed at giving sex workers stronger protections. The CDU politician said that the situation of sex workers must be urgently improved. “Particularly the fight against coercive prostitution, human trafficking, and violence is a key priority for the federal government.”
The commission will develop both statutory and non-statutory measures to enhance protections for sex workers, it was announced. The first proposals are expected to be presented in a year.
The “independent expert commission” has faced criticism from the Professional Association for Erotic and Sexual Services (BesD), because not a single sex worker was appointed to the body. “Especially on the highly stigmatized topic of prostitution, the inside perspective from the industry is extremely important,” the association stated. “Sex workers know best what they need to protect themselves. Involvement in the legislative process is indispensable,” said Johanna Weber, BesD’s political spokesperson. The chair of the commission is Professor Tillmann Bartsch from the University of Tübingen — a criminologist and criminal law scholar. The commission is made up mainly of scientists and police officers.
Red-Green legalized prostitution 23 years ago
Prostitution was once considered immoral. In 2002, it was legalized under Germany’s red-green federal government. Under the Prostitution Protection Act, sex workers are required to register, and prostitution businesses like brothels must obtain a license. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the number of registered sex workers stood at roughly 32,300 last year, though the actual total is likely considerably higher.
House Speaker Julia Klöckner (CDU) had recently called for tougher rules in light of women’s rights. “I am firmly convinced: We must finally also prohibit prostitution and the purchase of sex here,” she said. The laws do not adequately protect sex workers. Violent assaults, male dominance, and coercion remain pervasive. Germany has been described as the “brothel of Europe” (TheColu.mn reported). The queer wing of the Left’s federal association criticized the Bundestag president for her “unqualified remarks” in strong terms (TheColu.mn reported). Criticism also came from the democratic opposition (TheColu.mn reported).
