May 03 2008
If Sweden can do it…
Sweden (Swedish Penal Code)  (PDF) 5KB |
Prostitution: Illegal Since 1999 selling sex is not a crime but the buying of sex is. Buyers face fines and up to 6 months in prison. Brothel Ownership: Illegal Punishment includes up to 4 years in prison. Pimping: Illegal |
“In Sweden, prostitution is officially acknowledged as a form of male sexual violence against women and children. One of the cornerstones of Swedish policies against prostitution and trafficking in human beings is the focus on the root cause, the recognition that without men’s demand for and use of women and girls for sexual exploitation, the global prostitution industry would not be able flourish and expand.” (Oct. 2004 “The Swedish Law that Prohibits the Purchase of Sexual Services” by Gunilla Ekberg
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(source: www.procon.org)
Those who oppose prostitution and human trafficking the world over look to Sweden as an example.
This is because Sweden took a bold step thinking outside of the box when it comes to prostitution. Rather than criminalizing women, many of whom have few economic options for their families and so get involved in prostitution, Sweden recognized that when there is demand from those with power and economic voice, it’s problematic to punish poor people for filling it.
So Sweden decriminalized selling sex, so women wouldn’t go to jail. Instead, they arrest the men who buy sex. Pretty novel, especially considering that men are additionally punished by having their photos publicized when they get busted.
That’s one way to take away incentive from the demand side of the market.
As long as there is demand for a black market, no matter how many people you arrest (or how many times you arrest the same person without rehabilitating them), someone is going to fill in the gaps.
Perhaps it’s time other countries take such a step in addressing what is, after all, a demand side that is just as illegal as the supply side.
(Of course, there are always multiple sides to the story, as this BBC report demonstrates.)
