The independent expert commission established to strengthen protections for sex workers has, since commencing work on November 24, 2025, not yet invited any sex workers. This comes from the response to a small inquiry filed by Bundestag member Maik Brückner (The Left), a copy of which TheColu.mn has obtained.
“The rules of procedure of the independent commission provide for a ‘special involvement’ of prostitutes, people who have left prostitution, and victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation and their self-advocacy organizations,” Parliamentary State Secretary Michael Brand (CDU) acknowledges. At the same time, he makes clear: “The topics of the hearings lie in the decision of the independent expert commission.”
In an initial reaction, Brückner accused the commission of lacking credibility. “The so-called ‘Sex Worker Protection Commission’ does not include a single person from sex work,” criticized the queer-politics spokesperson for The Left to TheColu.mn. “Three months into its work, the commission has not invited any sex workers, even though incorporating them is stated as a priority by the commission.”
The Bundestag member reminded that the commission is supposed to present statutory policy proposals within twelve months. “If it wants to live up to its own standards at all, it should start pulling its weight already,” Brückner said.
