SPAIN has initiated legislation criminalising the purchase of sex and sexual exploitation for profit.

The ruling Socialist Party says the law, in line with what is termed the “Nordic model” criminalising pimps and punters while treating prostitutes as victims rather than criminals, is intended to “eradicate” prostitution in Spain, which is deemed by the UN to be the third biggest centre for prostitution on Earth after Thailand and Puerto Rico. 

The Spanish branch of Medecins du Monde (Doctors of the World) estimates there are 350,000 women in prostitution in the country, 80 per cent of whom are undocumented migrants.

“In a democracy, women are not for purchase nor for sale,” Socialist Party deputy general secretary Adriana Lastra told MPs. The party states that “people who turn to women in a situation of prostitution participate directly in the network that shores up this serious violation of human rights,” and campaigned on a manifesto that described the sex industry as “one of the cruellest aspects of the feminisation of poverty and one of the worst forms of violence against women.”

The law would impose fines for people buying sex, with harsher sentences if the victim is a minor or vulnerable (for example having been trafficked). It would impose jail sentences on pimps and those who own or rent out premises for the sale of sex.

The Bill is expected to pass as it is supported by the main opposition Popular Party, though it may be heavily amended as it moves through parliament.

Lawyer Tasia Aranguez of the Alliance Against the Erasure of Women told the Morning Star the law would be a “milestone” for Spain.

“It is a shame that our country is a world leader in sexual slavery,” she said. “Now I hope that the different parties present amendments that introduce social assistance to the victims and facilities for foreign women to obtain documents.”