France Mulls Lifting Brothel Ban

Move would hike safety and ditch pimps, says politician
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 19, 2010 3:22 AM CDT
France Mulls Lifting Brothel Ban
A French prostitute demonstrates against a new domestic security bill introducing tough penalties against migrants, beggars and prostitutes.   (Getty Images)

France shut down its once-famous brothels en masse after World War II amid national shame at Nazi collaboration, but the sex houses may soon be legal again. Legalizing brothels would reduce exploitation, boost safety and provide sex workers with a taxable income, claims a member of parliament from Nicolas Sarkozy's ruling party.

"Women selling sex should be allowed to do so legally on special licensed premises," said Chantal Brunels. "This would free thousands of women from the exploitation they suffer at the hands of pimps and criminal gangs and offer them much more security than they currently have on the streets." Polls show 60% of French say oui to the return of bordellos, reports the Telegraph.
(More France stories.)

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