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London: French
minister for women's rights Najat Vallaud-Belkacem wants to
organise a conference of experts on how to abolish sex trade and
human trafficking in Europe, The Guardian reported.
Vallaud-Belkacem, also the government spokeswoman, said she was
seeking to meet British Home Secretary Theresa May for inputs from
the country.
"Since the 19th century and the role of (Victorian feminist)
Josephine Butler, Britain and France have been the core countries
in the international mobilisation against prostitution. I really
hope that these common roots are still alive," she said.
In France, prostitution is not illegal, but brothels were outlawed
in 1946 and pimping is illegal.
In 2003, a law was introduced by then interior minister Nicolas
Sarkozy, making it illegal to stand in a public place known for
prostitution, dressed in revealing clothes.
Last year, the French parliament adopted a resolution on the
abolition of sex trade, saying its objective was a "society
without prostitution".
The consultation would consider recommendations made last year by
French MPs that it should be illegal to pay for sex.
The MPs suggested all clients of sex workers, or anyone who buys
sex from any kind of prostitute, would face prison and a fine.
Clients of sex workers face prison in many European countries,
including Sweden, Norway and Iceland.
Laws on prostitution vary across Europe. In Germany, prostitution
is legal and regulated by the municipality.
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