Germany
Number of sex workers: about 400 thousand
In Germany prostitution is legal since January 2002. German sex workers pay taxes to the state and contributions to the pension fund, are members of their own human rights and trade union groups, and can collect money from clients in court.
In 2017, the Sex Worker Protection Act came into force. It protects prostitutes from exploitation and violence, requires them to undergo regular medical examinations, and requires brothel owners to ensure working conditions set by the health department.
Bonn went even further - the city authorities were the first in the country to install parking-machine-like devices on the streets. A prostitute, when she goes to work, has to pay through it a certain amount per shift (regardless of the number of clients).
However, even with the legalization of prostitution problems do not disappear completely - part of the sex industry is under the control of criminal organizations, some girls are underage, and some provide services under duress.
Netherlands
Number of sex workers: at least 25,000
Holland legalized prostitution in 2000 and immediately became a center for European sex tourism due to its good organization and guaranteed safety for clients. Sex workers are registered and pay taxes; their names are entered into a special database, against which controlling authorities monitor the timeliness of medical exams.
Interestingly, female sex workers have to be at least 18 years old, while clients are allowed to visit them from the age of 16.
Switzerland
Number of workers in sex industry: from 13 to 35 thousand
Prostitution has been legal here since 1942. Many cantons regulate sex business on their territory. In practice, this sometimes leads to additional difficulties. For example, many prostitutes recognized by the authorities as individual entrepreneurs are required to draw up business plans with a developed marketing strategy and present them to the inspection authorities.
And in 2013, they introduced drive-thru brothels for motorists. They resemble wooden garages and are located outside the city.
Latvia
Number of sex workers: about 30 thousand
Prostitution has been partially legalized in Latvia since 1998. Mandatory requirements for sex workers are that they must be of legal age, have a health certificate, and provide sexual services only in their own or rented living quarters if the other residents of the house do not object and there are no schools or churches nearby.
Brothels as such are prohibited in Latvia. Administrative and criminal penalties are foreseen for violations of the rules.
Mexico
Number of sex workers: about 1.5 million
Prostitution in Mexico is legal but poorly regulated due to high rates of HIV, forced and child prostitution (about half a million minors, according to estimates). Crime is also high in the country, with statistics showing that every other prostitute has been raped, beaten up or robbed while working. Cancun escorts are the highest density of sex services in Mexico.
Whether to legalize or not is a complicated question, but the experience of foreign countries shows that it should be regulated.
Source: BORDELERO