The ban on buying sex and its possible consequences

Germany is considered a liberal country when it comes to the topic of sex work. Here it is legal to offer and receive sexual services. The ban on buying sex could have serious consequences.

The brothels remained closed during the corona pandemic. Since, according to experts, the risk of infection would remain extremely high in the coming months and years, politicians are now demanding that sex work be banned in the future based on the “Nordic model”. In most people's minds, sex work - and especially prostitution - is an unworthy activity that women are still forced into. I have already discussed the fact that this is not the case in another blog article.

What would the sex purchasing ban mean?

The Nordic model of john punishment prohibits paying money for sexual services and supporting sex work in any form. This means that the “perpetrators” should be punished, i.e. all people who make sex work possible: clients, customers, brothels, apartment landlords, roommates, etc.

For many, the ban would mean the end of a job that they enjoy and enjoy. Unfortunately, there is still a prejudice in the sex trade that this trade is automatically associated with coercion, exploitation and misogynistic behavior. Especially female service providers who earn their living as escorts, prostitutes or otherwise through sex are automatically assumed to be victims of their profession. Politicians and society cannot imagine that service providers in the sex trade do this voluntarily.

If the ban on buying sex were to be enforced, it would fill many service providers in the sex trade with fear and concern for their future. The consequence would be that these professions could only be practiced illegally and secretly. In addition, sex workers would no longer be able to work in a safe brothel or at a reputable escort agency where there are emergency call systems and safe contact points, but rather they would find themselves in unsafe places in order to be able to carry out their profession in some way.

The negative sides of a ban

Escort services, prostitution, cam girls and other sexual services ensure that sex is easy for everyone and available for every budget. Not everyone finds a suitable sex partner or someone who shares the same ideas about a fulfilling sex life. In addition, not everyone wants to have a relationship or affair but does not want to miss out on physical and sexual satisfaction. So what's better than meeting your needs with the help of professional service providers who do their job well and enjoy it?

With the ban on purchasing sex, this would no longer be possible and the service that is still in demand and needed would no longer be serious, but unclean, dubious and dangerous for both sides. The sex trade would have to take place underground, making sex trade workers much more likely to fall victim to violence, fraud and disease. In general, the clientele would be far less pleasant, as is the case under legal circumstances. In addition, the suitor would constantly be haunted by the fear of being caught and punished. In the end, the escort ladies or prostitutes are only left with customers who are willing to commit a crime for sex. And the question remains as to whether these are really the customers that the women and men in this industry want.

What speaks in favor of a ban on purchasing sex?

Despite all the positive aspects, the dark side should of course not be completely ignored. It is not for nothing that there are prejudices against coercion and violence in the sex trade. The problem is that society only refers to this dark side when discussing sexual services. If the sex trade remains legal, it will be difficult for most people to see who is actually voluntarily working as an escort or prostitute. Let's be honest: Who asks twice if the first time they answer is that you're doing it voluntarily? If sex work were punishable, every violation would generally be prosecuted and checked. However, one should never forget that forced prostitution is already illegal and punishable by law. Whenever you have the feeling that someone is not working voluntarily as an escort or prostitute, you should report it.

In addition, there are still enough escorts and prostitutes who only pursue their profession because they lack other options. Not every person who works in the sex trade does so because it is their first choice, but rather because they may not have learned another profession or are not confident in doing anything else. Some people also see it as a last resort before they find themselves without a job. After all, the sex trade is said to be easy and well-earned. However, a ban on purchasing sex is not the solution to these problems. To do this, politicians would have to make other professions more accessible, which is a completely different topic.

What experts say about the ban on buying sex

Experts warn of a gray area in which sex work takes place beyond any state controls. With the legalization of sexual services, it was recognized that the social recognition of this profession could strengthen the rights of prostitutes and escort ladies. The opportunity to rent an apartment together with a colleague for commercial purposes takes women and men away from the street prostitution and large brothels. At the same time, the risk of becoming a victim of a violent crime decreases. Being a recognized part of society and having the same rights and responsibilities as workers in other professions prevents the stigmatization of the sex trade and the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

The approach of banning the purchase of sex is the wrong approach. Nevertheless, it is important to ensure that women do not become junk goods in large brothels. Those affected must be better protected from violence and exploitation. Experts strongly warn against equating any kind of sexual services with forced prostitution. To protect everyone in the sex trade, it is important to carry out stricter controls.

The Federal Association of Sexual Services (BSD) and the Professional Association for Erotic and Sexual Services (BesD), as well as the German AIDS Federation, the Women's Council and Diakonie Deutschlands reject the ban on purchasing sex. Instead, they advocate full legalization, with numerous offers of help for those who want to quit.

The sex trade deserves appreciation

In order to improve the status of escorts or prostitutes, safe working conditions and good health care would have to be ensured. Exit advice should also be possible, alternatives should be shown and support in the job search should be ensured.

A desirable side effect of the discussion about the ban on purchasing sex is that the working and living conditions of sexual service providers become the focus of attention.

Conclusion

Legal framework conditions for the sex trade are necessary because, despite a ban, commercial sex would not simply disappear overnight. The ban would only push sexual service providers further to the margins of society, which would play into the hands of further abuse and even more forced prostitution. What we need are contact points that offer targeted assistance and advice to protect affected women and men. Only by recognizing professions in the sex trade and showing respect to those doing them can one's reputation in society be improved. Only self-determination rights and acceptance in society can help against exploitation, coercion and violence.