With a step that causes violent debates, Italy wants to burden prostitute in the future. For the first time, a separate business code was introduced – a novelty in the land of the Catholic tradition. Under the so-called Ateco code, sexual services were officially classified as an economic activity.
Under the new code, ‘sexual services’, dating agencies, marriage agencies and ‘speed networking activities’ are managed. Prostitution is legal in Italy, but is not yet regulated. Bissing and pimping are still forbidden.
Political criticism of classification
The introduction of the code has led to political reactions. Luana Zanella, leader of the left parliamentary group Verdi e Sinistra (AVS), criticized that the classification of economic activities in the field of prostitution arises with a contradiction with the political orientation of the government. “The legal government in Rome is concerned with God, homeland and family, but if it has to fill in the cash register, she even legitimizes prostitution,” said the group leader.
The social -democratic parliament member Paolo Ciani also said: tax regulations may not discuss a clear legal framework, especially when it comes to activities that can be associated with human trafficking or sexual exploitation. He warned of the possible identification of actions that are closely linked to criminal offenses such as help, incitement or exploitation.
Has caused discussions for years
The subject of the legal regulation of prostitution has been controversial in Italy for years. In the 1950s, brothels were even closed by the use of Senator Lina Merlin. Against the background of the still existing street line, there has always been a discussion about possible legalization and regulation of such facilities.
Up to hundreds of thousands of prostitutes in the country
It is estimated that there are a maximum of 100,000 prostitutes in Italy, about a third of them come from abroad. More than half work on the street, about a fifth would be a minor.
Source: Krone
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