What is the legal status of prostitution in China?
In China, prostitution is officially illegal. However, it is widely acknowledged that the practice continues to thrive in various forms across the country. This is due to a number of factors, including a large population, growing income inequality, and the existence of underground criminal networks. The Chinese government has made efforts to crack down on prostitution, but the industry remains pervasive.
What are the laws, penalties, and the role of law enforcement in regulating prostitution?
The laws in China regarding prostitution are strict and carry severe penalties for those found guilty. The key legislation governing prostitution in China is the 1991 Decision on Strictly Forbidding the Selling and Buying of Sex. The law outlines the following penalties for individuals involved in prostitution:
- Prostitutes may be fined, detained, or subjected to re-education through labor.
- Customers may be fined, detained, or subjected to re-education through labor.
- Pimps and brothel owners may be sentenced to prison terms ranging from 5 to 15 years, or in severe cases, life imprisonment or death.
Law enforcement agencies in China are responsible for enforcing these laws and cracking down on prostitution activities. Police often conduct raids on brothels, massage parlors, and other establishments suspected of facilitating prostitution. However, corruption and bribery among law enforcement officials can sometimes hinder efforts to combat prostitution.
How is prostitution referred to in local terms in China?
In China, prostitution is often referred to using euphemisms and indirect language. Some common local terms for prostitution include:
- Xiaojie (小姐): Literally translated as little sister, this term is commonly used to refer to prostitutes in China.
- Ernai (二奶): Translated as second milk, this term refers to mistresses or kept women who are financially supported by a man in exchange for sexual services.
- Anmo (按摩): This term means massage and is often used as a cover for prostitution services in massage parlors and other establishments.
What is the history of prostitution in China?
Prostitution has a long and complex history in China, dating back to ancient times. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), prostitution was legal and even regulated by the government. Brothels were taxed, and prostitutes were required to register with the government. However, the status of prostitution in China has changed significantly over time, and it has been variously tolerated, regulated, and criminalized throughout different historical periods.
Following the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the Communist Party sought to eliminate prostitution as part of its efforts to build a socialist society. Brothels were closed, and many prostitutes were subjected to re-education programs. However, prostitution re-emerged in the 1980s as China underwent a period of rapid economic growth and social change.
How do government laws and resources address the issue of prostitution in China?
The Chinese government has implemented a range of measures to address the issue of prostitution in the country. These include:
- Legal framework: As mentioned earlier, China has strict laws in place to penalize those involved in prostitution.
- Law enforcement: Police forces across China are tasked with enforcing anti-prostitution laws and cracking down on prostitution activities.
- Public education campaigns: The government has launched public education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of prostitution and to discourage people from engaging in or supporting the industry.
- Rehabilitation and support services: The Chinese government provides rehabilitation and support services for individuals who have been involved in prostitution, including re-education programs, vocational training, and counseling.
Despite these efforts, prostitution remains a pervasive issue in China, and there is still much work to be done to effectively address the problem.