Independent Netherlands Escorts

Mayor Femke Halsema of Amsterdam addresses concerns regarding the proposed Erotic Center's impact on young people, dismissing fears of increased drug use or involvement in prostitution due to its proximity to schools. She emphasizes that the dangers for vulnerable youth stem more from online influences and peer pressure than from the center itself. Halsema also brushes off worries about the influx of students passing through the area, asserting that exposure to various activities is part of city life.

Regarding sex workers, Halsema acknowledges displacement concerns but highlights support from certain groups, particularly male and transgender sex workers. She maintains that the Erotic Center offers opportunities for those marginalized in the licensed circuit, leaving the choice to work there to the individuals. However, she does not address the potential limitation of workplace options if more Red Light District windows are closed.

The city anticipates substantial foot traffic to the Erotic Center upon opening, with plans to manage traffic effectively. Despite concerns about parking and transportation, Halsema assures that the center's impact on existing bottlenecks will be limited. Plans to eliminate parking spots in the area are underway, regardless of the Erotic Center's construction.

Contrary to fears of party tourism, Halsema asserts that the center will not replicate the Red Light District's problems, as it won't cater to tourists or feature establishments on public roads. Additionally, she reassures that the center's design will deter onlookers, ensuring privacy for its activities.

While the center's opening is not expected before late 2031, Halsema reveals interest from various groups in financing and developing the project, keeping their identities anonymous until 2048. These include project developers, sex worker organizations, and entrepreneurs from cultural and queer communities. The selected operator will bear development costs, potentially including an underground parking garage, with the city handling land preparation and infrastructure expenses.

Consider a world where the practice often referred to as the "oldest profession" isn't shrouded in secrecy, stigma, and fear. In this world, sex workers move through their communities confidently, negotiate their terms freely, and access healthcare without fear of judgment. This isn't merely a utopian dream; it's increasingly becoming a reality fueled by a global movement advocating for the legalization of sex work. But what is driving this significant shift? Why are countries reconsidering age-old laws and embracing a more progressive approach? Join us as we explore the multifaceted arguments in favor of legalization, examine the changing global landscape, and navigate the heated controversies surrounding this sensitive issue. Strap in, because the future of sex work may surprise you.

Arguments in Favor of Legalization

Advocates of legalization present compelling arguments:

1. Human Rights and Worker Protection: Criminalizing sex work marginalizes and stigmatizes sex workers, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and violence. Legalization would recognize sex work as legitimate employment, granting sex workers basic human rights and labor protections to ensure their safety and well-being.

2. Public Health Benefits: Legalization enables better regulation and oversight of the sex work industry, facilitating access to essential health services for both sex workers and clients. This includes HIV/AIDS prevention, STD testing and treatment, and strategies for harm reduction. Studies indicate that decriminalization correlates with lower rates of HIV transmission.

3. Reduced Crime and Exploitation: Criminalization drives sex work underground, creating opportunities for traffickers and pimps to exploit vulnerable individuals. Legalization, coupled with effective regulations, can bring sex work into the open, allowing law enforcement agencies to focus on combating human trafficking and abuse.

4. Individual Autonomy and Agency: Legalization acknowledges the autonomy and agency of individuals engaging in sex work. It empowers them to negotiate terms, set boundaries, and work in safer environments, empowering them to make informed decisions about their bodies and livelihoods.

5. Economic Implications: Despite its clandestine nature, sex work is a significant economic activity in many countries. Legalization can formalize this sector, generating tax revenue and contributing to economic growth.

The Global Landscape of Legalization

The approach to sex work legalization varies across the globe:

• New Zealand: In 2003, New Zealand decriminalized sex work, recognizing it as a legitimate form of employment.
• Germany: Since 2002, Germany has operated under a regulated system where sex work is legal and subject to taxation.
• Netherlands: The Netherlands has a long-standing tradition of regulated brothels, with sex workers considered self-employed individuals.
• Northern Ireland: In 2021, Northern Ireland became the first part of the UK to decriminalize sex work.

Other countries, such as Argentina and Uruguay, have also taken steps towards decriminalization or adopting the Nordic Model, which focuses on criminalizing clients rather than sex workers.

Key Considerations and Controversies

Despite the momentum towards legalization, challenges and controversies remain. Opponents argue that legalization could normalize exploitation and trafficking or even increase the demand for sex work. Concerns also exist about the unintended consequences of specific legislative models.

Addressing these complexities necessitates open dialogue, evidence-based research, and the inclusion of diverse stakeholders, including sex workers themselves, in policymaking processes.

The debate surrounding sex work legalization continues, with valid concerns raised by opponents. Navigating cultural and moral frameworks adds further complexity to the discussion. However, dismissing the voices advocating for reform disregards the human element at the core of this issue. Legalization isn't a panacea, but it acknowledges the agency of sex workers, prioritizes their safety and well-being, and confronts broader societal issues like exploitation and trafficking. While there's no one-size-fits-all solution, fostering open dialogue and embracing evidence-based approaches can lead to a future where sex work exists within a framework of respect, human rights, and effective public health measures. This future may not be flawless, but it holds the potential to be fairer, safer, and more just for all involved.

In a significant milestone for the welfare and financial security of sex workers in the Netherlands, Nationale-Nederlanden (NN) has emerged as a trailblazer by offering additional coverage to this professional community, provided they are duly registered with the Chamber of Commerce. This progressive decision, focusing primarily on coverage for fires and liability insurance, positions NN as the inaugural mainstream insurance firm to extend its services to sex workers.

The Netherlands, home to approximately 20,000 sex workers as reported by NN, has witnessed a transformative shift in insurance options for this demographic. Historically limited to De Vereende, which offered policies with elevated premiums as a form of last resort for those with limited alternatives, sex workers now have a more conventional avenue for insurance coverage.

Richard Weurding, Chair of the Insurers association VvV, expressed satisfaction at the introduction of a "regular alternative" for sex workers. He remarked, "This will hopefully contribute to removing the stigma for which this profession suffers."

Caretaker Justice and Security State Secretary Eric van der Burg welcomed NN's decision, highlighting the disparities faced by sex workers in comparison to their counterparts in other professions. He noted, "Too often, sex workers are not treated the same as other workers. This leads to distressing situations, such as sex workers being uninsured."

The SWAD, an alliance dedicated to destigmatizing sex work since 2021, expressed pleasure at the newfound protection for sex workers against unforeseen events. They emphasized that empowered sex workers are better shielded against exploitation and human trafficking.

The industry garnered additional support from key financial institutions, with the Dutch banking association, NVB, and De Nederlandsche Bank, the country's central bank, endorsing the notion that it should be more accessible for sex workers to open business bank accounts. This collective recognition underscores a broader societal shift toward fostering inclusivity and equal treatment for individuals engaged in diverse professions.

More and more people are doing illegal sex work in the Netherlands, and this is worrying the authorities. They're selling their services in houses, hotels, and massage places, which isn't allowed. This news comes from AD.

The Scientific Research and Documentation Center (WODC) says that in 2021, about 27,000 different ads for sex work were put online. But only a very few of these ads showed that the workers had permission to do this kind of work. The number of ads from before 2021 isn't known. However, the number of places where sex work is allowed has gone down by almost half between 2000 and 2014. This shows that things are changing, according to the newspaper.

This change makes it really hard for the authorities to keep an eye on things and stop illegal work. The sex workers are offering their services in lots of different places, and there are many ads that are the same, so it's nearly impossible to know exactly how many people are doing this without permission. This makes it more likely that they might be taken advantage of, says the National Rapporteur on Human Trafficking.

The city of The Hague has seen a big increase in illegal sex work for a few years, especially during the pandemic. During that time, the government made rules to stop the coronavirus from spreading, and this affected sex work a lot.

The government in The Hague plans to stop brothels where people can see inside. But some local politicians worry that this will just make more illegal sex work happen. Kim Vrolijk from the local party Haagse Stadspartij is one of them. She says, "Because the safe places are closing down, sex workers have to work illegally. I do this work myself, and it's unlikely that we'll stop if the brothels close. It means things are changing, and sex workers won't have as much help if there's a problem. Safe places have good connections to emergency services if something goes wrong."

Ah, how splendid! Dutch banks have decided to extend their warm embrace to our hard-working friends in the sex work industry. With great pomp and circumstance, they've unveiled a magnificent solution to a dilemma that's caused many a furrowed brow in the banking world!

Banks, as we all know, have been puzzled for ages by the complexities of handling cash-related businesses. Those clever bankers, with the assistance of the dutiful regulator DNB, have finally cracked the code for our dear friends in the sex work industry.

It appears that amidst the fog of confusion, they've discovered a beacon of hope - the almighty tax return! Yes, you heard that right! Tax returns will be the shining path to enlightenment for these bankers, guiding them through the mysterious terrain of sex workers' income and expenditures. How delightful!

So, fear not, for the days of struggling to open a business bank account are waning for sex workers. Thanks to this 'Sector Standard,' a stroke of brilliance, which graciously permits the submission of tax returns to smooth the way. Huzzah!"

Please note, while the tone here is light-hearted and sarcastic, it's essential to maintain respect and empathy towards individuals and industries involved in such matters.

On the imminent horizon of municipal transformation in Amsterdam, a confluence of key stakeholders, including sex workers, business proprietors, and neighborhood residents hailing from the Wallen district, alongside the Zuid and Noord regions, are poised to stage a collective protest on Thursday. This demonstration is explicitly designed to articulate their dissension with the municipal government's proposal to migrate the window brothels, a hallmark of the Red Light District, to a novel establishment denominated as the "erotic center," strategically situated within an alternate sector of the city. The orchestrators of this protest march, notably led by Mariska Majoor, the distinguished founder of the Prostitution Information Center, seek to vociferously manifest their opposition to this urban development initiative.

The conceptualized erotic center, at the heart of this discord, is envisaged as an operational hub to accommodate approximately one hundred sex workers, predominantly earmarked for either the Amsterdam-Noord or Zuid district, thereby signifying a consequential substitution for a subset of window brothels currently existing within the Wallen district. The municipal authorities contend that the primary rationale behind this paradigmatic shift is multifold, encompassing the enhancement of the occupational conditions and societal position of sex workers, mitigation of the escalating inconveniences and superfluous influx of tourists experienced in the Wallen district, and the curbing of illicit activities within this precinct.

Nevertheless, the proposed paradigm has elicited apprehension and objection from the local residents residing in the Noord and Zuid regions, as well as the sex workers themselves, who remain steadfast in their preference for the city center as their professional milieu. A public survey conducted in June substantiates the widespread skepticism, revealing that only one out of five residents of Amsterdam endorses the municipal blueprint for the erotic center. The Amsterdam branch of the hospitality association KHN has also unambiguously expressed its dissenting stance. In an emphatic display of dissent, a petition containing over 22,000 signatures contesting the intended erotic center was tendered to the Amsterdam Mayor, Femke Halsema, in the preceding month. This formidable coalition, coined as the "monsterverbond," encapsulates a diverse assemblage of commercial entities, educational and cultural institutions, residents' associations, and interest groups.

The organizers of this protest collectively implore the municipal government of Amsterdam to instigate a comprehensive dialogue with all pertinent stakeholders, with the aim of collectively devising mutually agreeable strategies that address the issues of disturbance, congestion, and criminality. They harbor the conviction that the preservation of the rich tapestry of the Wallen district, while concurrently safeguarding the professional domains of sex workers and the cultural milieu of erotic entertainment, is a pivotal endeavor.

The municipal authorities have officially confirmed the registration of the impending demonstration. The protest is set to unfurl its course, commencing at Oudekerksplein, coursing through Oudezijds Achterburgwal and Nieuwmarkt, culminating at the Stopera located on Waterlooplein. The denouement of the march will witness the presentation of a formal manifesto to the members of the city council at the city hall. Mariska Majoor, the protest's vanguard, has expressed optimism regarding the anticipated turnout, hinting at "sufficient interest" from diverse strata of the community, encompassing sex workers, business entrepreneurs, and residents alike. She conveys the expectation of drawing forth "a few hundred people."

The municipal council is slated to unveil a comprehensive proposal pertaining to the ultimate location of the erotic center, with a definitive resolution slated for the conclusion of the current calendar year. This forthcoming decision will undoubtedly wield a profound impact on the urban landscape, the profession of sex work, and the sociocultural fabric of Amsterdam.

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.

Hey, do you know what’s going on in Amsterdam? The city’s sex workers are standing up for the British tourists who go there for wild weekends. You see, the Dutch government is trying to stop the lads from having too much fun in the red light district. They even made an advert telling them to ‘Stay Away’ from Amsterdam. How rude is that? But the sex workers are not having it. They say the Brits are not worse than any other visitors - and they don’t want to lose their business. They held a big protest outside the City Hall and gave the mayor a piece of their mind. One of them, Tessa, has been working in a window on a canal for 17 years. She says it’s unfair to blame just the English. She says men can be nasty and drunk from anywhere in the world. She says she saw two guys throwing up outside her window today - but they could have been from any country. She says men come from all over the world to drink and have sex - and most are well behaved. She admits the British can be terrible when they are drunk, but so can the Dutch, Germans and Spaniards.

D66 MP Anne-Marijke Podt believes that the stigma against sex workers should be removed by recognizing that prostitution is simply just another job.

To improve the safety of sex workers, all municipalities should allow them to work from home. However, this argument drew considerable criticism not only from the CDA and CU, but also from opposition parties.

Municipalities in the Netherlands will soon be required to register people who are participating in sex work to determine if they are doing so voluntarily, and if they meet minimum age and language ability requirements. The measure is meant to guarantee that people earning money from legal sex work have not been coerced, and are protected from abuse

It is not at all good for municipalities to register who is playing the role of the whore,” Van Dorst told the newspaper. It is “a useless solution, to the disadvantage of prostitutes who lose an important piece of privacy.” The measure is only meant as a show piece for municipalities to say they have their house in order.

A new online platform for sex workers launched on Wednesday, intended to increase their safety. On Ugly Mugs NL, sex workers can anonymously warn each other about dangerous and aggressive customers, check their new customers before a meeting, and receive notifications if a dangerous customer is in the region. They can also find help filing a report with the police, NOS reports.

The free online platform is an initiative of Soa Aids Nederland and Proud, the interest group for sex workers. They developed Ugly Mugs NL on behalf of the Ministry of Justice and Security and at the request of sex workers in the Netherlands.

Ugly Mugs NL is based on a similar platform in the United Kingdom. The English version has 7,000 individual members. A survey of the members showed that 90 percent feel safer because of the platform, and 40 percent have avoided a dangerous customer due to a notification on the platform.

The measures used to tackle, and coronavirus pandemic has left many Dutch escorts with financial difficulties. To make ends meet many worked illegally, despite the risks. 300 escorts took part in the survey. 65% said they had financial problems following the closure of clubs and brothels.  Many were not employed or 'official' sex workers and not eligible for financial help.

in 2020 half the escorts carried on work, During 2021 this rose to 90%

Karin, 57 from Amsterdam was a nurse. She quit ger job and started working for an Amsterdam escort Agency which caters for clients who have disabilities and health issues. She saiid, working as a nurse inspired her to become a sex worker. She worked as a district nurse trating patients at home or care centres. She became to realise her patients had physical or mental disabilities, but also had sexual needs. She felt sorry for these people and could not help them as a nurse.

Karin said there's a misconception that all sex workers are victims of human trafficking, which is defined by the United Nations as people being forced to work through "force, fraud or deception" for a profit.

It's not clear how many sex workers in the Netherlands are victims of human trafficking. Depending on the definitions used, the estimates could range drastically, between 10% and 90%, according to figures shown in the Red Light Secrets Museum during my visit.

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.

Utrecht's street prostitution zone is closing at midnight. From 00:01 a.m. on Thursday, sex workers will no longer work on Europalaan. People involved are concerned that with the street prostitution zone, often referred to as the 'Tippelzone' or 'De Baan', sex workers in Utrecht are also losing their safety.

This has come almost immediately after the nation recorded its highest levels of the year in April. So clearly, the vaccines are doing something!

From this week sex workers in the Netherlands are allowed to receive clients again.

Several cafes and bars in Amsterdam and Breda opened their doors for a time on Tuesday afternoon, in protest at the current lockdown measures. Cafes are currently closed, but many owners say there is little difference between sanctioning sit down outside spaces, which is banned, and queuing for takeaways – which is allowed.

Sex workers

Meanwhile, in The Hague, a group of sex workers were planning to protest about the government’s refusal to allow them to reopen on Tuesday afternoon. Hairdressers and masseurs can start work again from March 3, but sex work remains banned

Health minister Hugo de Jonge told reporters on Tuesday that he did not expect there to be any change in the situation soon. ‘It’s very sad, but it just can’t be done,’ De Jonge said, ahead of a cabinet meeting to discuss the latest situation.

Social affairs minister Wouter Koolmees also confirmed that there will be no more financial support for sex workers either. ‘We can do very little for them,’ he said. ‘They are in a very difficult position.’

 

The Dutch government is to research how other countries regulate prostitution, but has no plans to criminalise sex work, as some campaign groups are calling for, junior justice minister Ankie Broekers-Knol told MPs on Thursday. The minister made the statement during a debate on sex work which was called following a citizens’ initiative campaign group collected more than 40,000 signatures.

Christian youth group Exxpose wants the government to adopt a Swedish model for prostitution, in which the client, not the sex worker commits the offence. Exxpose chairwoman Natasja Bos told MPs during the debate that she no longer wanted to be silenced about the ‘raw side of prostitution’.
 

About half of migrant sex workers in Holland returned home to their own countries. This survey was based on a sample of 108 workers organised by the Prostitution Information Center and the SekswerkExpertise network.

Over half of the respondents to the survey applied to the Government for income support. Only 8 were successful. Twenty-six sex workers were rejected outright. The respondents to the survey, 77 were Dutch estimated half the migrant workers left the country for their home states.

This survey confirmed that sex workers fell between the cracks, and were is desperate need of support.
 

A large number of restrictions, such as the current maximum number of 30 people to gather together, the closure of gyms, saunas, casinos, sex work and contact sports are set to be lifted from July 1, Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced at a press conference on Wednesday. Local governments will have more control over the restarting of carnivals and events, because of the permit application process that those organizers will be required to complete. However nightclubs will still remain closed likely into September, he said.

A group of organizations representing sex workers submitted a hygiene protocol with which they believe they can limit the spread of the coronavirus enough that sex workers can start working again. Measures include things like changing the bed linen after every customer, and sex workers only working one-on-one or with a couple that shares a household, ANP reports.

SekswerkExpertise, a platform that stands for improving the position of sex workers, based the protocol largely on existing protocols for other contact professions that were allowed to start up again a month ago, like hairdressers and beauticians. As the coronavirus measures currently stand, sex work will be banned until September. But with this protocol, the sector hopes to be able to start up again on Monday.

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.

A Dutch sex worker has set up a crowdfunding page to raise money for prostitutes hit by the closure of brothels in Amsterdam due to coronavirus as campaigners raised fears over the loss of income and putting workers at greater risk.

The Dutch Government has also ordered the closure of sex clubs in the Amsterdam red-light district. This forces the closure of the windows,

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.