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] Prostitutes, however, like in Sweden, still commit a crime if they work together as this constitutes "running a brothel". A 2007 poll demonstrated that "70% of Icelanders were in favour of criminalizing the buying of sex. There is a marked difference between the views of men and women; approximately 83% of women are in favour of a ban whilst 57% of men support a ban."[5]

The original plan, by the then Minister of Social Affairs, Ásta Ragnheiður Jóhannesdóttir, included both prostitution and stripping.[6] Strip shows have been banned since 2010.[7][8] The law only applies (or is applied) to stripping done in private. Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, Iceland's former prime minister, who is openly lesbian, said: "The Nordic countries are leading the way on women's equality, recognizing women as equal citizens rather than commodities for sale."[9] The politician behind the bill, Kolbrún Halldórsdóttir, said: "It is not acceptable that women or people in general are a product to be sold."[9] The law is supported by Icelandic feminists.[10] Internationally, radical feminists, such as Julie Bindel, have celebrated the ban as a landmark decision for feminism.[11] Other bloggers disagree, arguing that it may drive the industry underground.[12][13] Feminist views on prostitution vary – while all support making the acts of the prostitute legal, some support making the acts of the customer illegal and some do not.

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.[14]

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 argues most people who solicit sex do so because they have no other choice or because they are forced into prostitution by others. By making soliciting sex legal, the government believes individuals who have been forced into prostitution would rather come forward and lead police to those responsible."[15][16] This move was supported by international women's groups.[17]

In 2009, 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.

Legacy

There is little soliciting for street prostitution since the law came into effect. Many prostitutes have taken to advertising through dating websites, although the sites have a policy of removing suspicious profiles. Sex workers also find clients by word of mouth. Iceland’s courts heard 20 cases relating to prostitution charges between the advent of the new law and April 2013. Most resulted in convictions, but the penalties are light and the names of some of those found guilty have been kept anonymous. Icelandic police say that a lack of cash and staff prevent them from rigorously enforcing the law.[18]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Fréttir / A new law makes purchase of sex illegal in Iceland". Jafnréttisstofa. 21 April 2009.
  2. ↑ News from Iceland: it is now criminalised to buy women in prostitution! European Policy Action Centre on Violence against Women
  3. ↑ "Iceland to ban sex purchases, strip clubs". AFP. 18 March 2009.
  4. ↑ "Buying sex punishable in Iceland". NIKK. 3 June 2009.
  5. ↑ "Notes on Iceland's Sixth Periodic Report on the Implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women". The Icelandic Human Rights Centre. July 2008.
  6. ↑ "Iceland to Ban Stripping and Prostitution". Iceland Review. 18 March 2009.
  7. ↑ "Iceland outlaws striptease". Ice News. 24 March 2010.
  8. ↑ "Iceland bans striptease shows". Independent (Ireland). 26 March 2010.
  9. 1 2 "Iceland's stripping ban". Salon. 26 March 2010.
  10. ↑ "Feminist Society Demands Government Action". The Reykjavik Grapevine. 19 October 2009.
  11. ↑ Bindel, Julie (25 March 2010). "Iceland: the world's most feminist country". The Guardian.
  12. ↑ Perez, Miriam (29 March 2010). "Iceland bans strip clubs: A victory for feminism?". Feministing.
  13. ↑ Filipovic, Jill (26 March 2010). "Iceland bans strip clubs.". Feministe.
  14. ↑ "Big Sister Watches Buyers of Prostitution in Iceland". Iceland Review. 19 October 2011.
  15. ↑ "Prostitution legal in Iceland". Iceland Review. 27 March 2007.
  16. ↑ "Land of double morale". Iceland Review. 30 March 2007.
  17. ↑ "A Place for Prostitution? Gender Equality and Respect in Modern Societies". International Alliance of Women. 8 June 2007.
  18. ↑ "Naked ambition". The Economist. Reykjavik. 20 April 2013. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
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