A renewed debate over the legal status of prostitution has emerged in Berlin. Bundestag President Julia Klöckner is urging lawmakers to adopt a significantly tougher stance — one that would penalise the purchase of sex and phase out Germany’s extensive commercial sex industry.
Speaking at the “Heroine Award” ceremony hosted by the Alice Schwarzer Foundation, Klöckner argued that current legislation fails to protect women from exploitation. She advocates for the “Nordic model”, a regulatory system that criminalises clients while providing social support for sex workers who seek to exit prostitution.
Criticising the existing legal framework
Germany introduced the Prostitutes Protection Act in 2017, which requires:
- Registration for sex workers
- Operating permits for brothels
- Regular health and counselling access
Despite those measures, Klöckner says harmful conditions persist within the sector. She argues that the law does not effectively address violence, coercion and power imbalances.
She delivered a strong message on gender equality, questioning whether prostitution is compatible with women’s rights: “Calling prostitution just another profession is not only absurd but undermines the dignity of women,” she said. “There are no school internships for this job.”
Klöckner makes no distinction between voluntary sex work and situations of coercion — a stance that has drawn both support and criticism in previous debates.
How the Nordic model works
Originally implemented in Sweden and now adopted in several European countries, the model ensures:
- Selling sex remains legal
- Buying sex becomes a criminal offense
- Brothels and organised prostitution are shut down
- Exit programmes are funded and expanded
Supporters claim it reduces trafficking and strengthens victims’ rights. Critics argue that criminalising clients pushes prostitution underground, exposing workers to greater risk.
Cultural and political debate reignites
Germany has long been known for a more permissive legal environment regarding prostitution, with licensed brothels operating openly in major cities. Advocates for the current system say it provides safer working conditions and transparency — while opponents fear it entrenches exploitation.
Women’s rights activists attending the event welcomed Klöckner’s call for reform, emphasising the need to confront systemic abuse.
The Heroine Award honoured street workers Sabine Constabel and Cathrin Schauer-Kelpin for their commitment to supporting vulnerable women in prostitution. The prize includes €10,000 to aid their ongoing advocacy.
What comes next?
Any legislative overhaul would require coalition negotiations and substantial debate in Parliament. The topic polarises parties, civil society and social researchers, and previous reform attempts have struggled to gain majority backing.
For now, Klöckner’s intervention signals a potential shift in the political conversation — raising fundamental questions about freedom, safety and dignity in one of Europe’s largest commercial sex markets.
