Is Prostitution Legal in Jordan?
In Jordan, prostitution is illegal and punishable by law. The Penal Code of Jordan, specifically articles 310-321, criminalizes various aspects of sex work, including the selling and buying of sexual services, soliciting for prostitution, running a brothel, and engaging in immoral acts in public places.
What are the Penalties and Enforcement Measures for Prostitution in Jordan?
Penalties for engaging in prostitution-related activities vary depending on the specific offense. Some of the penalties include:
- Imprisonment: Sentences range from one month to three years, depending on the offense.
- Fines: Fines can range from 100 to 5,000 Jordanian Dinars (approximately $140 to $7,000 USD).
- Deportation: Foreign nationals found guilty of prostitution-related offenses may be deported from Jordan.
Enforcement of prostitution laws in Jordan is primarily the responsibility of the Jordanian police. They conduct regular raids on brothels and arrest individuals suspected of engaging in prostitution-related activities. However, it is worth noting that law enforcement efforts have been criticized for their lack of effectiveness in curbing the sex trade, with many cases going unreported due to the social stigma associated with prostitution.
How is Prostitution Referred to Locally in Jordan?
Prostitution in Jordan is commonly referred to as “shaghala” (work) or “jarayed” (newspapers) by locals. The latter term is derived from the fact that sex workers often advertise their services through coded messages in local newspapers.
What is the History of Prostitution in Jordan?
Prostitution has been present in Jordan for centuries, with historical records indicating the existence of brothels in the region as far back as the Roman and Byzantine periods. In modern times, the influx of refugees and economic migrants from neighboring countries has contributed to the growth of the sex trade in Jordan.
During the 20th century, the Jordanian government attempted to regulate prostitution by requiring sex workers to register with the authorities and undergo regular medical examinations. However, this system was abolished in the 1980s due to concerns over the exploitation and abuse of sex workers by law enforcement officials.
What are the Government Laws and Resources Regulating Prostitution in Jordan?
The primary laws regulating prostitution in Jordan are found in the Penal Code of Jordan, which criminalizes various aspects of sex work. Some of the relevant articles include:
| Article | Offense |
|---|---|
| 310 | Engaging in or facilitating prostitution |
| 311 | Running a brothel or allowing a property to be used as a brothel |
| 312 | Advertising or promoting prostitution |
| 313 | Recruiting or exploiting others for prostitution |
| 314 | Engaging in or facilitating immoral acts in public places |
| 315 | Indecent exposure or engaging in lewd acts in public places |
| 320 | Engaging in or facilitating prostitution with a minor |
In addition to the Penal Code, the Labour Code of Jordan also contains provisions related to the protection of workers from sexual exploitation and abuse. The government provides some resources to support victims of human trafficking, including shelter, legal assistance, and medical care, through the Jordanian Women’s Union and other non-governmental organizations.