Prostitution in Iceland
Paying for sex is illegal in Iceland. In April 2009, the Icelandic Parliament passed new legislation that makes paying for sex illegal (the client commits a crime, but not the prostitute).[1][2][3][4] An opinion poll has shown that up to 70% of its Icelandic participants support banning the purchase of sexual services.
The original plan, by the then Minister of Social Affairs, Ásta Ragnheiður Jóhannesdóttir, included both prostitution and stripping. [5] Strip shows have been banned since 2010. [6] [7] Johanna Sigurðardottir, Iceland's prime minister, who is an open lesbian, said: "The Nordic countries are leading the way on women's equality, recognizing women as equal citizens rather than commodities for sale." [8] The politician behind the bill, Kolbrún Halldórsdóttir, said: "It is not acceptable that women or people in general are a product to be sold." [8] The law is supported by Icelandic feminists. [9] Internationally, radical feminists, such as Julie Bindel, have celebrated the ban as a landmark decision for feminism. [10] Other bloggers disagree, arguing that it may drive the industry underground.[11][12]
The police have stated that they do not have the resources to enforce the law and that despite the law prostitution is thriving. Consequently a vigilante group called “Stóra systir” (“Big Sister”) has been formed. [13]
[edit] History
Before 2007, selling sex was illegal: according to the 206th article of the Icelandic Penal Code (almenn hegningarlög): "Anyone engaging in prostitution for own upkeep shall be subject to imprisonment for up to 2 years." That paragraph was deleted in 2007, as the government argued that most people who sell sex do so because they have no other choice or because they are forced into prostitution by others. By making selling sex legal, the government believes individuals who have been forced into prostitution would rather come forward and lead police to those responsible. [14] [15] This move was supported by international women's groups. [16]
Finally, in 2009, the paying for sex was outlawed, criminalizing the clients, while selling sex remained decriminalized. The new law has put Iceland in line with Sweden and Norway.
[edit] References
- ^ Fréttir / A new law makes purchase of sex illegal in Iceland 21.4.2009 Jafnréttisstofa
- ^ News from Iceland: it is now criminalised to buy women in prostitution! European Policy Action Centre on Violence against Women
- ^ Iceland to ban sex purchases, strip clubs AFP March 18 2009
- ^ Buying sex punishable in Iceland. NIKK June 3 2009
- ^ Iceland to Ban Stripping and Prostitution. Iceland Review March 18 2009
- ^ Iceland outlaws striptease. Ice News March 24 2010
- ^ Iceland bans striptease shows. Independent (Ireland) March 26 2010
- ^ a b Iceland’s stripping ban. Salon Mar 26 2010
- ^ Feminist Society Demands Government Action. The Reykjavik Grapevine October 19 2009
- ^ Iceland: the world's most feminist country. Bindel J. The Guardian March 25 2010
- ^ Miriam Perez. Iceland bans strip clubs: A victory for feminism? Feministing March 29 2010
- ^ Iceland bans strip clubs. Jill Filipovic. Feministe March 26 2010
- ^ Big Sister Watches Buyers of Prostitution in Iceland. Iceland Review Oct 19 2011
- ^ Prostitution legal in Iceland. Iceland Review March 27 2007
- ^ Land of double morale. Iceland Review March 30 2007
- ^ A Place for Prostitution? Gender Equality and Respect in Modern Societies. International Alliance of Women June 8 2007
[edit] Additional links
- NIKK Nordic Gender Institute
- Prostitution in the Nordic Countries NIKK 17 Nov 2008
- Prostitution legislation: Will they go the same way? NIKK 19 March 2009
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