We seem to spend a lot of time here pulling our hair out over the piss poor policies brought in by governments from all over the world which damage sex workers. Any group who thinks that the Nordic model is actually good is either blinkered or is in fact disingenuous about whether they care about the safety and well being of men and women who work in the industry.
Well, finally we have some good news to tell you. Danish social minister, Mai Mercado, has revealed that his government is looking into how to better improve conditions within prostitution.
A Group Effort
Mercado has established a group that includes eight ministries that will aim to bring forth recommendations on how to better balance rights and responsibilities within the industry.
“I feel poorly that this is an area where basic rights don’t exist. Society demands that everyone pays their taxes, including prostitution, so I think that we are duty-bound to ensure people have basic rights. We also need to be able to help people who want to make a job change,” said Mercado.
Prostitution has been legal in Denmark since 1999, with sex workers required to register as businesses, as well having to pay tax. However, the industry is barely regulated, and workers are not entitled to things such as pensions.
The plan is for this to come to an end, so if sex workers are liable for taxation, they should get representation.
The most recent figures on prostitution in Denmark are from 2011, where it was estimated that there were at least 3,131 people, mostly women, who worked in the industry. However, they don’t account for ‘hidden’ prostitution, where the workers don’t register.
The working group are looking into improving the prostitution sector, and will incorporate the views of sex work advocacy groups. They hope their report will be published by August.
Progressive Steps
This really has brightened up my day. It is exactly what I want to see in every other country where sex work is a thing. It certainly beats the hell out of any regressive policy like the introduction of the Nordic model.
With any luck, governments over Europe and even further afield will take this as their route, instead of the repressive alternatives. Every worker, no matter what industry they are in, deserves to live in safety and get respect. This is something that is missed amid the howls of moral indignation that we see from some anti sex-work groups.
So, we send a big thumbs up to Denmark. It really should act as a beacon of light in a rather dark age.
Since then, he has specialised in articles on the battle for equal rights for sex workers, sexual health, as well as bringing the readers fun news from around the world. He also has a major interest in LGBT rights, and is an active campaigner in this field.
When he isn't fighting the good fight, he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, and young daughter. He also enjoys reading and taking long walks.
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