Rival protests as French MPs debate prostitution
Rival protests as French MPs debate prostitution
Rival groups made up of sex workers and feminists are set to protest in Paris on Friday, as French MPs begin debating a divisive and controversial bill that would impose fines of €1,500 ($2,040) on the clients of prostitutes.
The demonstrations look set to involve both opponents of the move to penalize clients of prostitution - including STRASS, France's sex workers' union - and its supporters, including feminist groups, and non-profit organizations who work with prostitutes.
The protests are set to take place on Friday afternoon outside the National Assembly in Paris, as inside the lower house of parliament, French MPs begin debating the contentious bill.
Prostitution is legal in France, but soliciting, pimping, and the sale of sex by minors are prohibited.
The government says the bill is aimed at preventing violence against women, but critics warn that it would force prostitutes further underground and put them in more danger.
http://www.thelocal.fr/20131129/prostitution-france-law-clients-prostitutes-sex-workers-feminists
