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What is the legality of prostitution in Buenos Aires?

Is Prostitution Legal in Buenos Aires?

In Argentina, prostitution is legal for individuals over the age of 18. However, the exploitation and organization of prostitution, such as operating brothels or pimping, is illegal. Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina, is no exception to this rule. Although prostitution is not explicitly prohibited, various aspects of the industry are regulated, and the authorities take measures to crack down on illegal activities associated with prostitution.

What are the Laws, Penalties, and Law Enforcement Practices for Prostitution in Buenos Aires?

Prostitution laws in Buenos Aires can be divided into three main categories:

  • Prostitution itself: As mentioned earlier, individual adult prostitution is legal. However, public solicitation is prohibited, and sex workers must operate in private.
  • Exploitation and organization: The Argentine Penal Code criminalizes activities such as operating brothels, pimping, and trafficking for sexual exploitation. Penalties for these crimes can range from 4 to 15 years in prison, depending on the severity of the offense.
  • Protection of minors: It is illegal to involve minors in prostitution or to promote their sexual exploitation. The penalties for these offenses can be up to 20 years in prison.

Law enforcement practices in Buenos Aires include periodic crackdowns on illegal brothels and arrests of individuals involved in organizing and exploiting prostitution. Despite these efforts, many illegal establishments continue to operate, and the city’s sex trade remains a significant social issue.

How is Prostitution Referred to Locally in Buenos Aires?

Locally, prostitution is often referred to as trabajo sexual (sexual work) or prostitución (prostitution). Sex workers may be called trabajadoras sexuales (sexual workers), prostitutas (prostitutes), or putas (a derogatory term for prostitutes). The places where prostitution takes place can be referred to as privados (private places), whiskerías (brothel-like establishments), or telo (short-time hotels).

What is the History of Prostitution in Buenos Aires?

Prostitution has a long history in Buenos Aires, dating back to the 19th century. During the early 1900s, the city experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization, attracting many immigrants and resulting in a significant demand for prostitution services. At that time, Buenos Aires was known for its luxurious brothels, which were frequented by both locals and foreigners.

In 1936, the Argentine government enacted a law that made it illegal to operate brothels and other establishments dedicated to prostitution. However, this law did not explicitly ban individual prostitution. As a result, the sex trade continued to flourish, albeit in a more clandestine manner. Over the years, various laws and regulations have been implemented to combat human trafficking and the exploitation of sex workers, but prostitution remains a complex and controversial issue in Buenos Aires and Argentina as a whole.

Where Can You Find Helpful Links, Government Laws, and Resources on Prostitution Legality in Buenos Aires?

For more information on the legality of prostitution in Buenos Aires and Argentina, you can consult the following resources:

  • Observatorio de la Trata de Personas (Observatory on Human Trafficking) – This Argentine government website provides information on the country’s efforts to combat human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of minors.
  • Leyes Argentinas (Argentine Laws) – This official government portal allows you to search for specific laws and regulations related to prostitution and other topics.
  • Asociación de Mujeres Meretrices de Argentina (Association of Argentine Prostitutes) – This organization advocates for the rights of sex workers in Argentina and provides resources and information on their legal situation.
  • Fundación María de los Ángeles – This non-profit organization is dedicated to the prevention and assistance of victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation in Argentina.

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