Prostitution is a difficult subject that is not often spoken about in public. It is something that happens elsewhere, to other people. Different countries have taken varying approaches to deal with prostitution, most of these revolving around the criminalisation or decriminalisation of the sale of sex.
Then, 24 years ago, something radical happened when Sweden decided to criminalise only the purchase of sexual services. The decision to address demand was based on a rising consensus with regards to gender equality and a human rights perspective. Prostitution and sexual exploitation are highly gendered issues. Men are the predominant purchasers of sexual services. Since Sweden introduced the Sex Purchase Act, several other countries have seen the positive effects of this law and have adopted similar legal frameworks, including neighbouring Norway and Iceland, as well as France, Ireland, Israel, Northern Ireland, and Canada.
The original idea with the introduction of the Sex Purchase Act in Sweden was to increase the agency of the seller, equalise the power balance, reduce the exploitation of individuals β mostly women β and reduce demand.
The Swedish government rationalised that it is not reasonable to prosecute the party that in most cases is in the weaker position and is being exploited by others. The law is also meant to encourage individuals who are involved to seek help in order to leave prostitution, as they can be safe in the knowledge that there will be no criminal consequences of having been involved in the industry.
Statistics show that street prostitution and demand for it have decreased because of this law. This stands in contrast to legalisation and decriminalisation frameworks that have proven not only to increase prostitution but also to normalise the activity. This legislative approach was totally new and has over the years been complemented by social services, including exit strategies for both the buyer and the person involved in prostitution.
