The landscape of German politics is witnessing a fervent push to outlaw prostitution, a move occurring over two decades since its legalization. Alarming warnings characterize the nation as the 'brothel of Europe.'
Legalized in 2002 by a prior center-left government, the objective was to grant the 250,000 sex workers in Germany employment rights, access to welfare benefits, and the ability to take legal action against clients refusing payment for services.
Despite these intentions, current sentiments among some German politicians contend that the majority of the country's sex workers, numbering 250,000, have not experienced a tangible improvement in employment rights and conditions.
Dorothee Bär, deputy leader of the parliamentary group for Germany's primary Christian Democratic parties, points out that many of the country's sex workers lack proper documentation, exposing them to potential exploitation.
Bär emphasized to German news outlet Bild, "True equality remains elusive as long as we tolerate the dehumanizing treatment of hundreds of thousands of women. This is an affront to human dignity that demands urgent rectification."
According to Bär, Germany has metamorphosed into the brothel of Europe, where women face egregious mistreatment from clients and pimps.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz, affiliated with the center-left SPD, aligns with this sentiment, deeming it unacceptable for men to purchase women. He expresses moral outrage at this practice and calls for a robust discourse on combatting the purchase of sex.
Scholz advocates for comprehensive efforts to address this issue, finding support from various political factions. The center-right CDU, Germany's opposition party, proposes adopting the Nordic model, allowing prosecution for the purchase of sex while absolving sex workers from legal consequences.
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