Agency France Escorts

With the influx of visitors heading to Paris for the 2024 Olympics, French police are intensifying their crackdown on prostitution, with an anti-pimping brigade leading the charge.

The Press Office for the Police Prefecture tells TMZ that authorities are stepping up efforts to combat illegal sex work in the City of Lights. Checkpoints and road operations are being targeted to curb pimping activities in the Bois de Vincennes, Bois de Boulogne, and Belleville areas.

A specialized brigade known as the BRP has been formed, and their presence will be strongly felt in these areas. Additionally, a team is assigned to monitor night establishments, such as cabarets, to enforce anti-sex work laws.

The City of Paris and the Public Prosecutor's Office are collaborating in this crackdown, introducing prevention and awareness measures. While this increased police presence might bring relief to some residents and tourists, several nonprofit organizations have spoken out on behalf of sex workers ahead of the Olympics, criticizing the "repression first" approach for its detrimental impact on the health and safety of sex workers.

According to France 24, charity groups are urging authorities to focus less on targeting sex workers and more on dismantling the "criminal organizations which rob, rape, and assault them." These organizations argue that sex workers are not flocking to Paris for the Olympics due to the prohibitive cost of accommodations.

This update comes a year after activists opposed anti-prostitution efforts in France, warning that new measures could endanger sex workers. Despite France outlawing brothels in 1946 and making paying for sex illegal in 2016 to punish clients instead of workers, the increased pressure forces sex workers further into hiding, exacerbating their vulnerability.

The crackdown seems counterproductive, as it heightens the dangers faced by sex workers rather than ensuring their safety. The focus should shift towards protecting these individuals, respecting their rights, and addressing the real threats posed by criminal elements.

In a controversial ruling, the Strasbourg court yesterday issued its judgment in a case brought by 261 men and women of various nationalities who legally engage in sex work in France. These individuals argued that the 2016 legislation banning the purchase of sexual services has severely harmed their physical and mental well-being and infringed on their rights to personal autonomy and sexual freedom.

They contended that this law endangered their health and safety and violated their right to a private life, which includes personal autonomy and sexual freedom. The application was based on Articles 2 (right to life), 3 (prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment), and 8 (right to respect for private life), but the court chose to consider all complaints under Article 8.

In its judgment, available only in French, the court unanimously ruled that there had been no violation of Article 8. The court acknowledged the sensitive moral and ethical issues surrounding sex work, which provoke diverse and often conflicting views. It highlighted the lack of a consensus among the member states of the Council of Europe and international organizations on the best approach to sex work.

The court noted the ongoing heated debate over the criminalization of the purchase of sexual services as a means to combat human trafficking, with wide differences of opinion and no clear resolution in sight. Consequently, the French authorities were granted a broad margin of appreciation in legislating on sex work, with the obligation to continuously review their approach.

Amnesty International, which provided a third-party intervention based on its research from Ireland and other jurisdictions, expressed disappointment with the court's decision.

“Our research has highlighted that laws supposedly intended to protect sex workers are in fact putting them at higher risk of abuse and violence, including rape and physical attacks,” stated Anna Błuś, Amnesty’s women’s rights researcher.

“Today’s judgment is a blow to the courageous sex workers who brought this case. We continue to stand alongside sex workers as they demand protection for their human rights and seek justice for rights violations perpetrated against their community. It is crucial to improve the protection of their human rights going forward.”

This ruling fails to acknowledge the real and present dangers that sex workers face under such prohibitive laws. Instead of safeguarding these individuals, the legislation exposes them to greater risks, undermining their safety and fundamental rights. It is imperative that laws evolve to genuinely protect sex workers, respecting their autonomy and ensuring their well-being.

Sex work encompasses a wide range of professions, including erotic dancing, nude modeling, pornography, web cam modeling, sugar dating (an arrangement where money or material goods are exchanged for companionship and possibly intimacy), and full-service street or escort work.

There’s a complex legal landscape surrounding sex work, ranging from legality to criminalization. While criminalization is sometimes rooted in outdated moral or religious beliefs that condemn sex work as sinful, there is also a more nuanced argument around preventing sex trafficking. However, criminalizing sex work across the board as a means to combat trafficking can actually exacerbate the problem.

Sex workers themselves are invested in ending sex trafficking, just as much as the broader community is. However, tackling the issue without considering the perspectives and needs of those directly affected—such as drug users, queer and trans people, and low-income communities—often leads to more dangerous working conditions for sex workers.

In the world of full-service work, one of the most important safety measures for sex workers is the ability to conduct background checks on potential clients. This allows them to assess whether a client is safe, whether they appear on any bad date lists, and whether they have a history of harming women, queer individuals, or other sex workers. Without this ability to screen clients, workers could unknowingly place themselves in harm’s way.

Complete decriminalization of sex work is a crucial step toward ensuring sex workers can operate safely and autonomously. By removing legal barriers, sex workers can more effectively screen clients and minimize their exposure to trafficking.

While no system is perfect, and trafficking may not be entirely eliminated, the decriminalization approach is far more effective and safer for sex workers than current models.

Concerns with the “Nordic model”

As people recognize that criminalizing both sex workers and their clients fails to address sex trafficking and harms consensual sex workers, there is a shift toward the “Nordic model” or “anti-equity model” among some policy advocates. This approach criminalizes the purchase of sexual services, assuming it will reduce demand and therefore end sex trafficking.

However, this model often exacerbates risks for sex workers, driving away respectful clients and leaving them with those who may have little regard for their safety. Rather than reducing demand, this approach increases harm and can worsen conditions for sex workers.

Proponents of the Nordic model claim it helps full-service sex workers leave the industry, but their approach disregards the autonomy and humanity of sex workers. Moreover, money spent on enforcing the Nordic model could instead be directed towards education, job training, and support services for those who choose to leave the industry.

In countries that have adopted the Nordic model, such as Sweden, sex workers may face housing instability and homelessness as a result of policies that punish landlords and others who provide shelter to them.

Organizations like Freedom Network USA highlight that every arrest of a sex worker or their client diverts resources from aiding trafficking survivors and those seeking to leave the industry. Anti-sex work campaigns can drain funding that would be better used for support and empowerment.

Sex workers and former sex workers need support in challenging the Nordic model and advocating for complete decriminalization. The struggle for sex work justice is closely intertwined with broader fights against misogyny, queerphobia, and class exploitation. Solidarity with sex workers is essential for advancing justice for all.

The remarks made by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz regarding sex work in Germany exhibit a concerning and regressive viewpoint that fails to acknowledge the complexities surrounding this issue. Scholz's stance reflects a moralistic and judgmental perspective rather than a comprehensive understanding of the realities faced by individuals involved in sex work.

His statement condemning the sale of sex as "not acceptable" and expressing a personal moral outrage toward it is fraught with bias and lacks a nuanced approach. By asserting that it's unacceptable for men to purchase women, he simplifies a multifaceted industry into a black-and-white moral issue, disregarding the agency and choices of those engaged in sex work.

Scholz's call for further legal restrictions and a crackdown on sex work not only overlooks the rights and autonomy of individuals in this profession but also fails to address the underlying issues. He vaguely refers to combating abuse, violence, and criminal structures associated with prostitution without providing concrete strategies or acknowledging the potential repercussions of increased criminalization on sex workers' safety.

Furthermore, the proposal to implement bans on purchasing sex work while not penalizing the workers themselves, similar to the Nordic Model, disregards the experiences of countries that have implemented such regulations. Such models have shown adverse effects, including increased risks for sex workers, pushing them into more dangerous working conditions and hindering access to support and healthcare services.

The contrasting opinions within the German government, exemplified by Minister Lisa Paus's affirmation of the current Prostitutes Protection Act, underline the lack of consensus and clarity in addressing this issue. While acknowledging the need for ongoing evaluation until 2025, the government appears divided on how to proceed, leaving the legal status and protection of sex workers uncertain.

The historical context provided regarding the legality of sex work in Germany highlights the evolving nature of legislation and societal perceptions surrounding this profession. However, Scholz's stance represents a disappointing regression towards moralistic judgments rather than a progressive approach that respects the rights and dignity of individuals engaged in sex work.

Carrie Eisert, who works as a policy advisor for Amnesty International, said she was happy with the UN working group’s suggestion. She said:

“The suggestion says that sex workers’ rights should be better protected by international human rights law. This is important because sex workers face a lot of discrimination and violence all over the world.

“It also says that the best way to protect sex workers’ rights is to fully decriminalize adult voluntary sex work. This means that sex workers would not be punished by the law for doing their work, and they would be able to report any abuse or violence they face without fear.

The UN Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls wrote a paper about this suggestion. They talked to sex workers from different parts of the world before writing it, and they will present it officially on 11 October. They also mentioned some research by Amnesty International in Norway, some principles to stop the unfair criminalization of people and communities, and some advocacy work by a group of feminists who support sex workers’ rights.

Prostitution, often referred to as the “world’s oldest profession,” is a persistent phenomenon that has existed in various forms across different cultures, societies, and locations throughout history. However, the moral and legal status of prostitution varies widely among countries, and so does its prevalence. A relevant question that emerges is: which country has the highest rate of prostitution?

To address this question, one must take into account the multiple factors that influence the occurrence of prostitution. These may include socioeconomic conditions, legal frameworks, and cultural norms. Moreover, obtaining reliable data on this sensitive topic is challenging, as it often depends on estimates and research on the illicit trade. Nevertheless, based on the available information, it is possible to identify some countries with notably high rates of prostitution.

It should be noted that some countries are renowned for having large sex industries due to tourism, local demand, or economic necessity. Countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, and parts of Germany (where prostitution is legal and regulated) are frequently cited in debates about the sex industry. However, having a prominent sex industry does not necessarily imply that these countries have the “most” prostitution; it simply means that it is more visible and regulated.

Prostitution is a widespread phenomenon, with varying rates across different countries. This section provides an overview of the countries where prostitution is most common.

Germany has legalized prostitution, resulting in an increase in the number of sex workers and brothels. Thailand has a large sex tourism industry, attracting visitors from around the world. Brazil also has a high rate of sex tourism, especially during the Carnival season. China has technically outlawed prostitution, but it is still prevalent, particularly in urban areas.

Colombia has a sizable prostitution market, driven mainly by drug-related violence and poverty. India and the Philippines also face high rates of prostitution due to poverty and a lack of employment opportunities for women. Spain continues to struggle with the issue of prostitution, as it is neither fully legal nor criminalized.

Australia, Finland, Bolivia, and the Netherlands have some regulation of sex work, leading to a degree of tolerance toward the industry. France and Denmark have illegalized prostitution, but it still occurs in these countries, partly due to their appeal to tourists.

Mexico, the United States, Argentina, Canada, and Nevada (where it is legal) have considerable levels of prostitution, with authorities attempting to regulate or combat the industry. Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand have significant issues with prostitution despite efforts to curb the trade.

Some European countries, such as Lithuania, Austria, Latvia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Turkey, Belgium, Italy, and Slovenia have varying degrees of regulation or penalties for prostitution. Finally, even in countries like Zimbabwe, where prostitution is illegal, it persists as an underground business.

The factors that contribute to high rates of prostitution in these countries include poverty, unemployment, drug addiction, and global demand for sex services. These factors should be taken into account when discussing prostitution in a specific country.

Police concerned that a surge in the number of suburban bordellos is hampering their efforts to tackle sex trade. The number of illegal brothels dismantled in suburban Paris has tripled in the past two years.  French police warning that a recent law cracking down on street prostitution has back-fired.

The network, headed by a Colombian and Venezuelan couple, ran at least 50 sex workers in France, generating annual profits of up to 30 million euros, said a police source.

The couple were arrested in Colombia during Tuesday's police operation.

SANS is working towards getting sexworkers the same human rights as the rest of society, and not be subjected to discrimination, oppression or stigmatisation. SANS counteracts the stereotypical and bias image that exists about the sale of sexual services.

We want a more sensible policy and legislation concerning the selling and buying of sexual services, a decriminalisation that means that the legislation surrounding sex for pay between consenting adults is removed. As a result of a policy change, sexworkers could then start to be protected for real by the existing laws, for example rape, sexual abuse, eg. trafficking

We are not working for the customers should have a right to buy sexual services, there is no such right, and one shouldn’t exist. It’s always the seller that has the right to refuse a business transaction, which he/she can do at any time without having to give a reason or explanation.

The network consists of a mixed group of members, but you do not have to be a sexworker or a client, or personally defend prostitution in a society to become a member.

What is important is that you want all human beings to have human rights and that you stand up for a more humane and pragmatic policy towards the sale of sexual services.

Five years ago, France banned the purchase of sex — but not the sale of it. The prostitition measures aimed to decrease the number of sex workers. The result, however, has seen services pushed into clandestine routes.

Today, clients face up to €1,500 ($1,700) in fines for a first-time offense, as well as a €3,750 fine for a repeated offense. Lawmakers at the time hailed the measure as a means to end prostitution and human trafficking while protecting sex workers.

Five years on, however, sex workers say they are in more danger than before.

Guardian review of the French film Alice which explores sex work

High-class sex work is presented as a financial quick fix and a route to female empowerment, but the film’s sex-positive politics gloss over any of the job’s potential pitfalls.

The point is hammered home when Alice and fellow escort Lisa (Chloé Boreham) pop champagne on the Seine and scream “fuck ’em” (in English) at judgmental naysayers.

Taking a page from their crusades against Craigslist and Backpage, anti-sex-work campaigners are calling for credit card companies to stop doing business with porn websites.

In a new letter to credit card companies, activists throw around phrases like sex trafficking and child abuse while positioning their request as a common-sense plea to stop exploitation. "The letter was sent to 10 major credit card companies, including the 'Big Three', Visa, MasterCard and American Express," reports the BBC. Signed by groups from the U.S., the U.K., India, and elsewhere, it asks these companies to immediately stop doing business with Pornhub and other online porn platforms.

The groups suggest that since it is impossible to "judge or verify consent" in online porn content, "let alone live webcam videos," we should treat all online porn as if it's recorded rape.

In France, where prostitution is partly criminalised, it is illegal to buy sexual services but legal for a woman or a man to sell sex. And anyone selling sex must pay taxes like everyone else. But many people in prostitution – some of whom consider themselves “sex workers” and therefore believe they should be entitled to workers’ rights and protection – are not currently eligible for state income support, despite seeing their income disappear as a result of the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown.

In response to the COVID-19 lockdown, the state has agreed to subsidise up to 84% of employees’ wages, and has introduced a €1,500 per month grant for the self-employed. Sex workers who have the right to live and work in France and are registered as self-employed may be able to apply to these schemes.

It’s a paradox: everybody works, everybody pays tax (in theory), but only some get workers rights and protection. In the current situation, anybody in the underground economy loses their work but get no benefits. This means that all mitigation measures introduced to help people with their income during lockdown are useless to part of the population.

So far, the government has refused to provide special assistance to these sex workers. Schiappa has stated that it would be “very complicated” for the state to compensate individuals working illegally, including undeclared sex workers.

The state supports people wishing to stop selling sex via a programme of social and financial aid delivered through accredited charities and women’s rights organisations. It has also been criticised for helping fewer than 100 people per year exit prostitution since the programme was introduced in 2017.

Associations representing prostitutes in France have demanded President Emmanuel Macron’s government hand out cash bailouts for sex workers due to the impact of the Wuhan coronavirus.

The Red Umbrella Federation, an association that works closely with prostitutes and sex workers, called on President Macron to consider financially aiding sex workers, saying: “An emergency fund must be created to provide a replacement income during confinement.”

The group added that a government bailout would be the “only solution to prevent the risk-taking associated with performing sex work”, and added that the issue was “a matter of public health”, Le Figaro reports.

GENEVA, 8 April 2020—The COVID-19 pandemic, as with other health crises, exposes existing inequalities and disproportionately affects people already criminalized, marginalized and living in financially precarious situations, often outside social protection mechanisms.

During these difficult times, the Global Network of Sex Work Projects (NSWP) and UNAIDS wish to draw attention to the particular hardships and concerns facing sex workers globally, and are calling on countries to ensure the respect, protection and fulfilment of sex workers’ human rights. 

UNAIDS calls on countries to take immediate, critical action, grounded in human rights principles, to protect the health and rights of sex workers. Measures should include:

• Access to national social protection schemes for sex workers, including income support schemes.
• An immediate firewall between health services and immigration authorities in order to ensure that migrant sex workers can access health services.
• Emergency financial support for sex workers facing destitution, particularly migrants who are unable to access residency-based financial support.
• An immediate end to evictions and access to appropriate emergency housing for homeless sex workers.
• Stopping raids on sex workers’ homes and sex work premises and ensuring that all measures to protect public health are proportionate.
• An immediate halt to arrests and prosecutions for sex work-related activity, moving away from punitive measures and criminalization towards reaching and serving those most in need.
• An immediate end to the use of criminal law to enforce COVID-19-related restrictions, including forced COVID-19 testing and related prosecutions.
• Automatic extensions on visas due to expire as travel restrictions tighten. Immigration detention systems must support detainees in safe accommodation.
• The engagement of sex worker communities in responses—the meaningful involvement of sex worker-led organizations in emergency public health planning groups.

UNAIDS, as ever, stands ready to support countries in the implementation of the above recommendations.

Here are some simple strategies for educating yourself, changing the conversations you have about sex workers, and generally being less of a jerk about sex work. Eighty-Five ways to make sex workers lives easier.

Hundreds of sex workers are taking the government to the European Court of Civil Rights to overturn a law penalising clients that they say has put them in danger.

The 250, backed by 19 groups ranging from Strass sex workers’ union to Sidaction and Méd­ecins du Monde, say there has ...

The present law in France makes it an offence to purchase sex. This is a far cry from the early 1900s when brothels in France were legal. A new book called Capital of Pleasure – Paris In the Inter-war Period by erotic historian Alexandre Dupouy has been published in French.  A chapter has been published in English by Vice.