The presentation at the Ministry of Women’s Rights on May 2nd focused on the new strategy to combat prostitution, with Minister Aurore Bergé reiterating France’s abolitionist stance since the adoption of the law in April 2016. This law aimed to strengthen efforts against the prostitution system by removing the offense of solicitation, penalizing clients, and creating a pathway out of prostitution for those involved, including access to temporary residency permits. The law’s adoption marked a victory for the abolitionist camp, which views prostitutes as victims to be protected, while supporters of the regulatory model believe in regulating the sex trade as a profession. Some sex worker organizations have challenged the law in the European Court of Human Rights seeking its repeal.
The government’s reaffirmation that prostitution should be considered a form of violence reflects this ongoing debate. The first focus of the new strategy, developed after consultations led by Bergé’s predecessor Isabelle Rome in 2023, is to strengthen the enforcement of the law. Abolitionist associations, including the Amicale du Nid, CAP International, Fondation Scelles, Mouvement du Nid, and FNCIDFF, have welcomed this public stance, emphasizing that prostitution is a form of sexist and sexual violence that hinders equality. They have also called for a “phase 2” of the law, as its implementation has been inconsistent since its enactment eight years ago.
A report by several inspectorates in December 2019 highlighted the lack of political support and commitment from public authorities for the law’s enforcement. The new strategy’s limited details confirm these challenges in implementation. The push to treat prostitution as a form of violence and obstacle to equality aligns with the abolitionist perspective, which prioritizes the protection of those in the sex trade. However, the ongoing debate between abolitionists and proponents of regulation continues, with the former calling for further measures to support individuals exiting prostitution and to address the root causes of exploitation and coercion.
The Ministry’s focus on values and the recognition of prostitution as a form of violence sets the tone for the government’s approach to addressing this complex issue. By emphasizing the need to protect individuals in the sex trade and to prioritize their well-being, the abolitionist perspective drives the formulation of the new strategy. The involvement of various stakeholders, including sex worker organizations, in the ongoing discussions and legal challenges underscores the diverse perspectives and interests at play in the debate over the treatment of prostitution and the rights of those involved. The government’s commitment to enforcing the 2016 law and addressing the gaps in its implementation reflects an ongoing effort to combat exploitation and promote equality in the context of the sex trade.
