Is Prostitution Legal in Luxembourg?
In Luxembourg, prostitution is legal and regulated. However, the activities surrounding prostitution, such as pimping, running a brothel, and advertising sex services, are considered illegal. This approach aims to protect sex workers from exploitation and trafficking while minimizing the demand for prostitution.
What Are the Penalties and Enforcement Measures for Prostitution in Luxembourg?
While the act of prostitution itself is legal, the following activities related to prostitution are illegal and punishable by law in Luxembourg:
- Pimping and procuring: Anyone found guilty of pimping or procuring can face imprisonment for one to five years and a fine of €500 to €10,000.
- Running a brothel: Operating a brothel or any establishment for the purpose of prostitution is illegal and can lead to imprisonment for one to five years and a fine of €500 to €10,000.
- Advertising sex services: The distribution or display of advertisements promoting sex services is prohibited and punishable by imprisonment for one month to one year and a fine of €250 to €2,500.
Law enforcement authorities in Luxembourg actively work to combat human trafficking and exploitation within the sex industry. They collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to provide support and assistance to victims of trafficking and exploitation.
What is Prostitution Called Locally in Luxembourg?
In Luxembourg, prostitution is often referred to as prostituée (female prostitute) or prostitué (male prostitute) in French, and Prostituierte (female prostitute) or Prostituierter (male prostitute) in German. Luxembourg is a multilingual country, with French, German, and Luxembourgish being the official languages.
What is the History of Prostitution in Luxembourg?
Prostitution has a long history in Luxembourg, dating back to the Middle Ages. During this period, it was common for women to engage in prostitution to support themselves and their families. Prostitution was tolerated and even regulated by local authorities, who would issue licenses to brothels and collect taxes from sex workers.
In the 20th century, Luxembourg’s legal approach to prostitution evolved, shifting from regulation to prohibition. In 1959, the country’s Criminal Code was amended to criminalize pimping, procuring, and running a brothel. This change aimed to protect sex workers from exploitation and to combat organized crime within the sex industry.
In recent years, Luxembourg has adopted a more progressive approach to prostitution, focusing on harm reduction and support for sex workers. In 2016, the government decriminalized certain aspects of prostitution, including the act of selling sex, while maintaining penalties for pimping, procuring, and running a brothel.
What are the Government Laws and Links Related to Prostitution in Luxembourg?
Prostitution in Luxembourg is primarily governed by the Criminal Code (Code pénal) and the Law of 8 February 2008 on the Fight against Trafficking in Human Beings and the Exploitation of Prostitution (Loi du 8 février 2008 relative à la lutte contre la traite des êtres humains et l’exploitation de la prostitution).
Relevant laws and regulations include:
- Articles 379-1 to 379-3 of the Criminal Code: These articles criminalize pimping, procuring, and running a brothel, as well as advertising sex services.
- Article 382 of the Criminal Code: This article establishes penalties for trafficking in human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
- Law of 8 February 2008: This law aims to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings and to protect and assist victims of trafficking.
For more information on prostitution laws in Luxembourg, you can consult the following resources: