The decriminalization of sex work is the removal of criminal penalties for sex work specifically, prostitution. The decriminalization of sex work is a controversial topic. Advocates of decriminalization argue that removing the criminal sanctions surrounding sex work creates a safer environment for sex workers, [7] and that it helps fight sex trafficking. A European Parliament resolution adopted on 26 February , regarding sexual exploitation and prostitution and its impact on gender equality states that, "decriminalising the sex industry in general and making procuring legal is not a solution to keeping vulnerable women and under-age females safe from violence and exploitation, but has the opposite effect and puts them in danger of a higher level of violence, while at the same time encouraging prostitution markets — and thus the number of women and under-age females suffering abuse — to grow.
In June , New Zealand became the first country to decriminalize sex work, with the passage of the Prostitution Reform Act. There are a wide variety of legal approaches to regulating prostitution. NGOs, academics, and government agencies typically use five different models to organize the different approaches. Hindle et al. Under this approach, prostitution is seen as a violation of human dignity.
Criminal law and effective law enforcement are viewed as critical tools in reducing the number of individuals involved in prostitution. Advocates of this approach maintain that even though prostitutes may choose to enter the trade, it is nevertheless immoral.
They believe that governments must take the necessary steps to allow prostitution to take place only as long as it does not infringe on public safety and order. Generally, abolitionists call for the criminalization of public solicitation.
Neo-abolitionism, also called the Nordic or Swedish model , is used in Sweden , Norway , France and other countries. While selling sex is not criminalized under this approach, the buying of sex is illegal. Neo-abolitionists claim these models do not punish prostitutes, but instead penalize those who purchase sex from sex workers. This model is criticized for causing sex workers to do their business in areas with less police, which often makes it more dangerous.
