A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | CH | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
The legality of prostitution in Europe varies by country.
Some countries outlaw the act of engaging in sexual activity in exchange for money, while others allow prostitution itself, but not most forms of procuring (such as operating brothels, facilitating the prostitution of another, deriving financial gain from the prostitution of another, soliciting/loitering).
In 10 European countries (Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, and Turkey), prostitution is legal and regulated.
Belgium became the first country in Europe to decriminalize sex work since 1 June 2022.[1]
The degree of enforcement of the anti-prostitution laws varies by country, by region, and by city. In many places, there is a big discrepancy between the laws which exist on the books and what happens in practice.
Depending on the country, various prostitution-related activities may be prohibited (where a specific law forbids such activity), decriminalized (where there is no specific law either forbidding or allowing and regulating the activity), or regulated (where a specific law explicitly allows and regulates the activity if certain conditions are met). Activities which are subject to the prostitution laws include: selling and buying sexual services, soliciting in public places, running brothels, deriving financial gain from the prostitution of another, offering premises to be used for prostitution etc. Often, the prostitution laws are not clear-cut, and are subject to interpretation, leading to many legal loopholes. While the policy regarding adult prostitution differs by country, child prostitution is illegal throughout Europe. Similarly, human trafficking, forced prostitution, and other abusive activities are also prohibited.
The legal and social treatment of prostitution differs widely by country. Very permissive prostitution policies exist in the Netherlands and Germany, and these countries are major destinations for international sex tourism. Amsterdam's prostitution windows are famous all over the world. In Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Northern Ireland, France, and the Republic of Ireland, it is illegal to pay for sex, but not to be a prostitute (the client commits a crime, but not the prostitute).[2] Other countries which have restrictive prostitution policies and officially affirm an anti-prostitution stance are Great Britain, Denmark and Finland. In countries such as Spain, Italy, and the Czech Republic, attitudes are more laissez-faire and tolerant, but prostitution is not officially recognized as a job, and not officially and legally regulated, and pimping is forbidden.
Central-Eastern Europe
Armenia
 Armenia | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution illegal Buying sex legal |
Prostitution in Armenia is illegal[3] under administrative law[4] (Article 179.1).[5] Related activities such as running a brothel and pimping are prohibited by the Criminal Code,[6][7] although there are known to be brothels in the capital, Yerevan, and in Gyumri.[8] According to UNESCO, since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, prostitution in the country has grown.[9] There are about 5,600 women involved in prostitution in Armenia,[10] roughly 1,500 of them are in Yerevan.[11] However, official police figures are far lower, for example 240 in 2012.[3] Police and other safety forces reportedly tolerate prostitution.[11] Many women turn to prostitution due to unemployment.[12]
Azerbaijan
 Azerbaijan | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution illegal Buying sex legal |
Prostitution in Azerbaijan is illegal[13] but common.[14] Prostitution is an administrative offence and punishable by a fine.[13] Keeping a brothel is a criminal offence and punishable by up to 6 years imprisonment.[15] In 2017 a draft law proposing to add heavy fines to the punishment for keeping a brothel was before the National Assembly.[16] It has been estimated that there are 25,054 prostitutes in Azerbaijan,[10] some of which are aged 15 – 18.[17]
Belarus
 Belarus | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution illegal Buying sex legal |
Prostitution is illegal[6][4] in Belarus but commonplace[18] and is an administrative, rather than criminal, offence.[6][4] Running a brothel is forbidden and engaging in other means of pimping are punishable by up to 10 years in prison.[19] UNAIDS estimated there were 22,000 sex workers in Belarus in 2016.[10]
Bulgaria
 Bulgaria | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution legal Buying sex legal Brothels illegal Procuring illegal |
Prostitution itself is legal, but organised prostitution (brothels, prostitution rings, or other forms of procuring) is prohibited.[20] Because of poor socioeconomic conditions, a high number of Romani women are involved in prostitution.[20][21]
Bulgaria originally gained a reputation as a transit country for human trafficking, but subsequently, it has become known as a destination where the sex trade takes place.[22][23]
The Bulgarian government has stepped up its efforts to eradicate human trafficking.[23] The sex trade is a major source of income for Bulgarian criminals.[24][25][26] In 2013 there were 20,000 Bulgarian prostitutes working abroad and this was a source of foreign exchange earnings for Bulgaria.[27] In the past, the Bulgarian government considered fully legalizing and regulating prostitution.[28]
Czech Republic
 Czech Republic | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution legal Buying sex legal Brothels illegal Procuring illegal Solicitation illegal |
In the Czech Republic, prostitution is legal, but brothels and other forms of procuring are prohibited. The enforcement of these laws is lax, and prostitution and other activities which surround it are very common in the country.
Ever since the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia in 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 borders with Germany and Austria. In 2002, the Czech Statistical Bureau estimated the trade to be worth six billion Czech koruna ($217 million) a year.[29]
Georgia
 Georgia (country) | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution illegal Buying sex legal |
In Georgia, prostitution is illegal[6] but widespread, particularly in the capital, Tbilisi.[30] Many NGO's attribute this to the harsh economic conditions according to the US State Department.[31] Prostitution occurs on the streets,[32] in bars, nightclubs,[33] hotels and brothels.[34] UNAIDS estimate there are 6,525 prostitutes in Georgia.[10]
The Black Sea resorts, especially Gonio, become a sex tourism destination in the summer months. many prostitutes, mainly Central Asian and from the North Caucasus come to the area. Due to the close proximity of the Turkish border, and no visa requirements for Turks, many men from Turkey come to the area to find prostitutes.[35]
Hungary
 Hungary | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution legal and regulated Buying sex legal Brothels illegal Procuring illegal |
Prostitution is legal and regulated in Hungary. (It has been legalized and regulated by the government since 1999.) Under the law, prostitutes are 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.
In 2007, the prostitution and pornography industry in Hungary was estimated by Hungary's tax authority APEH to generate $1 billion annually.[36]
Kazakhstan
 Kazakhstan | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution legal Buying sex legal Brothels illegal Procuring illegal Solicitation illegal |
In Kazakhstan prostitution itself is legal, but acts facilitating prostitution, such as operating a brothel or prostitution ring, are illegal. Forced prostitution and prostitution connected to organized crime are prohibited. NGOs reported that criminal prostitution rings often included local law enforcement officials.[37]
Estimates of the number of prostitutes in Kazakhstan vary from 4,000[38] and 25.000,[39] including a number from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine.[38]
Sex workers often face harassment, extortion, arbitrary arrest, rape and violence from the police.[40]
Moldova
 Moldova | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution illegal Buying sex legal |
Prostitution in Moldova is an illegal activity but is widespread[41] and socially acceptable.[42]
Morals Police captain Vladimir Istrati is quoted as saying "Prostitution in Moldova is a very well organised crime, there is a precise structure of operation which includes secretary, office, and owner." The secretary is hard to file evidence against because they are most likely to conceal their true activity behind offering exotic services over the phone. Nailing down prostitutes and pimps is easier."[41]
Poland
 Poland | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution legal Buying sex legal Brothels illegal Procuring illegal Solicitation illegal |
In Poland prostitution is legal, but operating brothels or other forms of pimping or coercive prostitution and prostitution of minors are prohibited, as is living off someone else's prostitution.[43]
Prostitution is present in various forms in the country and a 2007 US State Department report stated that many women who worked as prostitutes were employed in massage parlors and escort services that functioned as brothels, although technically illegal.[44][45] Prostitution is the only profession in Poland that is not taxed, but sex workers may be asked by authorities to prove that is what they do, since prostitution is not recognized as legitimate work, and therefore receive no social benefits. [46]
Romania
 Romania | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution legal Buying sex legal Brothels illegal Procuring illegal Solicitation illegal |
Prostitution in Romania is not itself criminalized, although associated activities, such as procuring, are criminal offenses, and solicitation is a contravention punishable by fines.
Solicitation is an administrative offence (contravenție) punishable by a fine of 500–1500 lei (approximately 110–330 euros as of 2016).[47] The National Police, Local Police and Gendarmes are all responsible for enforcing the laws, although there are reports that law enforcement is corrupt and that police are often violent.[40]
Clients are not prosecuted, unless they knowingly use the services of a victim of forced prostitution,[48] or the prostitute is a minor (Art. 2161).[48]
Article 213[49] criminalizes procuring; it states that "The causing or facilitation of the practice of prostitution or the obtaining of financial benefits from the practice of prostitution by one or more individuals shall be punishable by no less than 2 and no more than 7 years of imprisonment and a ban on the exercise of certain rights." In certain aggravated circumstances, the punishment increases. The penal code also criminalizes several offenses against slavery, human trafficking, child trafficking, forced labour, and using exploited persons (Art. 182 Exploitation of a person, Art. 209 Slavery, Art. 210 Trafficking in human beings, Art. 211 Trafficking in underage persons, Art. 212 Pressing into forced or compulsory labor, Art. 216 Use of an exploited person's services).[50]
Russia
 Russia | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution illegal Buying sex legal |
Prostitution is an administrative, but not criminal, offence in Russia (such as, for example, drinking beer in a public place or walking nude on the street). The maximum punishment is a fine up to 2000 rubles (~$30); however, organising prostitution or engaging somebody into prostitution is punishable by a prison term.
Slovakia
 Slovakia | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution legal Buying sex legal Brothels illegal Procuring illegal Solicitation illegal |
Prostitution itself is legal, but operating brothels and other activities related to prostitution are prohibited.[51] Public order offences are used against women who work on the streets.[40]
Ukraine
 Ukraine | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution illegal Buying sex legal |
Prostitution is illegal in Ukraine, but is nevertheless widespread and largely ignored by the government.[52] Laws criminalizing organised prostitution and penalties for human trafficking have had little effect because many convicted traffickers often do not end up serving prison time. The economic decline in Ukraine made the nation vulnerable and forced many to depend on prostitution and trafficking as a source of income.[53] Sex tourism rose as the country attracted greater numbers of foreign tourists.[52][54]
Northern Europe
Denmark
 Denmark | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution legal Buying sex legal Brothels illegal Procuring illegal |
In Denmark, prostitution was partly decriminalized in 1999, based partly on the premise that it was easier to police a legal trade than an illegal one. Third-party activities, such as profiting from brothel administration and other forms of procuring, remain illegal activities in Denmark, as do pimping and prostitution of minors.[55][56]
Faroe Islands
Under Danish Jurisdiction, the legal status of prostitution remains lawful. However, there is no evidence of organised prostitution within the self-governing territory.
Estonia
 Estonia | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution legal Buying sex legal Brothels illegal Procuring illegal |
Prostitution in Estonia is legal in itself, but organized prostitution is illegal. Since prostitution is a sensitive indicator that develops with changes in the social environment and the state, it is useful to divide the history of this phenomenon from Estonia's first independence according to the different historical stages of the country.[57]
Firstly, the period of Estonian independence 1918–1940, when the prostitution in Estonia was legalized. Secondly, the period of the Soviet occupation when prostitution was criminalized. Thirdly, since Estonian new independence when prostitution is neither criminalized nor legalized (that is, the selling of and buying of a sexual service is not a crime but prostitution is not considered a profession either).
Finland
 Finland | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution legal Buying sex legal Brothels illegal Procuring illegal Solicitation illegal |
Prostitution itself is legal in Finland (soliciting in a public place is illegal), but organised prostitution, operating a brothel or a prostitution ring, and other forms of 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. According to a recent TAMPEP study, 69% of prostitutes are foreigners. As of 2009, there was little "visible" prostitution in Finland, as it was mostly limited to private residences and nightclubs in larger metropolitan areas.
Iceland
 Iceland | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution legal Buying sex illegal Brothels illegal Procuring illegal Solicitation illegal |
Paying for sex is illegal in Iceland (the client commits a crime, but the prostitute does not).[58] The police have stated that they do not have the resources to enforce the law. Consequently, a vigilante group called "Stóra systir" ("Big Sister") has been formed.[59]
A report published in 2017 by the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police states that prostitution had "exploded" in the previous 18 months.[60] The vast majority of prostitutes in the country are foreign.[60] Police believe prostitution in Iceland is partially tied to organised crime and human trafficking.[60]
The country has become a sex tourism destination.[61][62]
Ireland
 Ireland | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution legal Buying sex illegal Brothels illegal Procuring illegal Solicitation illegal |
Prostitution itself is legal in the Republic of Ireland, however since March 2017, it has been an offence to buy sex.[63] Third party involvement such as operating brothels, and other forms of pimping, are also illegal.[64] Although the 2017 law criminalising clients was designed to reduce the demand for prostitution,[65] the law has had little effect.[66]
Most prostitution in Ireland occurs indoors and is advertised via the internet. Street prostitution has declined considerably.[67]
Latvia
 Latvia | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution legal and regulated Buying sex legal Brothels illegal Procuring illegal Solicitation illegal |
Prostitution is legal and regulated in Latvia. Prostitutes must register, must undergo monthly health checks, and must carry a health card; if they fail to do so, they can be penalized.[68] Although prostitution is regulated in Latvia, brothels and other forms of procuring are illegal. According to the law, "Any activity of the third person which promotes prostitution is prohibited", and, "Persons are prohibited to join in groups in order to offer and provide sexual services".[68]
Lithuania
 Lithuania | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution illegal Buying sex illegal |
Prostitution in Lithuania is illegal, but it is common.[6][69] Law enforcement is weak,[40] corrupt[70] and is reputedly connected to organised crime.[40] It is estimated that there are 3,000 prostitutes in the capital Vilnius.[70] Many of them are foreign, predominantly Russian, but there are also significant numbers from Belarus, Ukraine and Poland.[70] Street prostitution, including underage prostitutes,[71] is generally controlled by criminal elements.[70]
Norwayedit
 Norway | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution legal Buying sex illegal Brothels illegal Procuring illegal Solicitation illegal |
Paying for sex is illegal (the client commits a crime, but the prostitute does not). This law prohibiting the buying of sexual services (sexkjøpsloven) came into effect on 1 January 2009, following the passing of new legislation by the Storting in November 2008.[72] Soliciting and advertising "sexual services" is also illegal under the Norwegian Criminal Code (Straffeloven) section 378 and section 202(3).[73]
In 2013, it was estimated there were 3,000 sex workers[74] working in Norway[75] (population 5 million).[76] Earnings from sex trade are estimated at 390 million kroner (£39m, $US63m, €48m).[75]
Swedenedit
 Sweden | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution legal Buying sex illegal Brothels illegal Procuring illegal Solicitation illegal |
Paying for sex is illegal (the client commits a crime, but not the prostitute). The Sex Purchase Act (Sexköpslagen), which makes it illegal to pay for sex, but not to be a prostitute, was adopted in 1999, and was then unique. Since then, similar laws have been passed in Norway and Iceland.
The rationale underpinning the law was the view that prostitution was a form of violence against women so the crime consists in the customer paying for sex, not in the prostitute selling sexual services.[77] This 'rationale' sees the seller of sex as the exploited partner in the exchange.[78]
United Kingdomedit
 United Kingdom | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution legal Buying sex legal except in Northern Ireland Brothels illegal Procuring illegal Solicitation illegal |
In Great Britain, prostitution itself is legal,[79] but a number of related activities, including soliciting in a public place, kerb crawling, keeping a brothel, pimping, and pandering, are outlawed.
The Policing and Crime Act 2009 makes it illegal to pay for sex with a prostitute who has been "subjected to force", and this is a strict liability offence (clients can be prosecuted even if they didn't know the prostitute was forced).[80][81]
In Northern Ireland, which previously had similar laws to the rest of the United Kingdom, paying for sex became a crime when the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support for Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 was enacted in January 2015.[82]
Guernseyedit
Prostitution in Guernsey is legal, but related activities such as solicitation[83] and brothel keeping are prohibited.[84] At the end of the 19th century prostitution was common in Guernsey, especially in St Peter Port where around 500 soldiers were garrisoned. A large number of the prostitutes were French.
Isle of Manedit
Prostitution is legal in the Isle of Man but related activities such as soliciting, procuring and brothel keeping are prohibited by the Sexual Offences Act 1992.[85]
There are few prostitutes permanently on the Isle of Man, most visiting the island on short term "tours". A man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of committing prostitution offences in Douglas in 2013. A police spokesman said this was "an unusual and rare incident."[86]
Jerseyedit
Prostitution in Jersey is legal,[87] but related activities such as keeping a brothel are outlawed.[88][89] Following a consultation period from 1 September 2017 and 13 October 2017, the Home Affairs Minister approved a new draft Sexual Offences (Jersey) Law to be debated in the Assembly of the States of Jersey.[90] The draft law does not criminalise prostitution, but consolidates previous legislation on related activities.[91]
In 2015 it was estimated there were 35–40 prostitutes in Jersey.[87] Most visit the island for short periods and work from hotels.[89]
Southern Europeedit
Albaniaedit
 Albania | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution illegal Buying sex legal |
Prostitution in Albania is illegal but widespread.[6]
Prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, prostitution in Albania was virtually unknown. The migration from rural areas to the cities, and economic problems that followed the collapse caused some women to turn to prostitution.[92]
Street prostitution occurs near the centre of the capital, Tirana, mainly by Roma men and women.[92] Some students work as prostitutes from hotels or motels in Tirana and other big cities. Brothels also found in the cities.[92]
Andorraedit
 Andorra | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution illegal Buying sex legal |
Prostitution in Andorra is illegal.[93]
Bosnia and Herzegovinaedit
 Bosnia and Herzegovina | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution legal Buying sex legal Brothels illegal Procuring illegal Solicitation illegal |
Prostitution in Bosnia and Herzegovina is legal, but related activities such as solicitation and keeping a brothel are illegal.[40] The law treats procuring as a major crime. Under the law, trafficking is a state-level crime that carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.[94] In 2016, UNAIDS estimated there to be 4,000 prostitutes in the country.[10]
Croatiaedit
 Croatia | |
|---|---|
| Prostitution illegal Buying sex legal |
Prostitution in Croatia is illegal,[40] but common.[69] Forcible prostitution, any kind of brothels, or procuring are treated as felony, while voluntary prostitution is considered to be infraction against public order (for prostitutes only; clients are not in violation of law). As in other Southeast European countries, the problem of human trafficking for the purposes of sex is a concern in Croatia. However, according to the United States Department of State, Croatia was a tier 1 country as of 2011, actively working to prevent the sex trade.[95][96][97] As of 2021 report, Croatia has been placed in tier 2 since 2013.[98]
Cyprusedit
Zdroj:https://en.wikipedia.org?pojem=Prostitution_in_Slovenia>Text je dostupný pod licencí Creative Commons Uveďte autora – Zachovejte licenci, případně za dalších podmínek. Podrobnosti naleznete na stránce Podmínky užití.
Text je dostupný za podmienok Creative
Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License 3.0 Unported; prípadne za ďalších
podmienok.
Podrobnejšie informácie nájdete na stránke Podmienky
použitia.
