Is Prostitution Legal in Georgia?
Prostitution is illegal in Georgia, the country located at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. The act of engaging in sexual activity in exchange for money or other goods is punishable by law. Both the selling and buying of sexual services are criminal offenses, as well as any activities related to the organization and management of prostitution.
What are the Laws and Penalties Regarding Prostitution in Georgia?
The Georgian Criminal Code defines prostitution as a criminal offense and prescribes penalties for those involved in the practice. The main laws and penalties regarding prostitution in Georgia include:
- Article 253 – Criminalizes the act of engaging in prostitution. Those found guilty can face fines or up to one year of imprisonment.
- Article 254 – Criminalizes the act of organizing or managing prostitution. Those found guilty can face up to three years of imprisonment.
- Article 255 – Criminalizes the act of coercing someone into prostitution. Those found guilty can face up to five years of imprisonment.
- Article 256 – Criminalizes the act of involving minors in prostitution. Those found guilty can face up to ten years of imprisonment.
In addition to these criminal penalties, the Georgian government has implemented several measures to combat prostitution, such as awareness campaigns, rehabilitation programs, and the creation of specialized police units to address the issue.
What are the Local Terms for Prostitution in Georgia?
Prostitution in Georgia is commonly referred to as პროსტიტუცია (prostitutsia) in the Georgian language. Other local terms and slang may be used to describe the practice or individuals involved, but prostitutsia is the most widely recognized term.
What is the History of Prostitution in Georgia?
Prostitution has been present in Georgia for centuries, with historical accounts dating back to the medieval period. During the Soviet era, the practice was criminalized, and strict measures were put in place to combat it. However, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the subsequent socio-economic turmoil led to a resurgence of prostitution in the country.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Georgia became a major transit and destination country for human trafficking and forced prostitution. In response, the Georgian government began implementing stricter laws and regulations to address the issue. The country has made significant progress in recent years, with the U.S. State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report consistently ranking Georgia as a Tier 1 country since 2012, indicating full compliance with minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.
What Government Laws and Resources are Available to Address Prostitution in Georgia?
The Georgian government has enacted a variety of laws and resources to combat prostitution and protect the rights of those affected by the practice. Some of these measures include:
- Anti-Trafficking Law – Georgia has a comprehensive anti-trafficking law that criminalizes all forms of human trafficking and prescribes severe penalties for those involved.
- National Referral Mechanism – This mechanism aims to identify and assist victims of trafficking, providing them with legal, medical, and psychological support, as well as temporary shelter and rehabilitation services.
- Specialized Police Units – The Georgian police force has established specialized units dedicated to combating human trafficking and prostitution.
- International Cooperation – Georgia actively cooperates with international organizations and foreign governments to combat human trafficking and prostitution, participating in joint investigations, training programs, and awareness campaigns.
Overall, while prostitution remains illegal in Georgia, the country has made significant strides in recent years to address the issue and protect the rights of those affected by the practice.