Decriminalization of sex work

Sex work, the consensual provision of sexual services for money or goods, is criminalized in most countries. Decriminalization is distinct from legalization (also known as the "regulationist" approach).

Advocates of decriminalization argue that removing the criminal sanctions surrounding sex work creates a safer environment for sex workers, and that it helps fight sex trafficking. Opponents of decriminalization argue that it will not prevent trafficking (or even increase trafficking) and could put sex workers at greater risk. Evidence from New Zealand, Belgium, and several Australian States (which have implemented this legal model) demonstrates that decriminalization is an evidence-based harm reduction approach.

Organizations including: the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the World Health Organization (WHO), Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the medical journal The Lancet have called on countries to decriminalize sex work in the global effort to tackle the HIV/AIDS epidemic and ensure sex workers' access to health services. Almost all organisations run by sex workers themselves around the world favour the decriminalisation of sex work, and it tends to be their main goal. The Global Network of Sex Work Projects works with over 300 Sex Worker Organisations in 110 countries, all of whom are united on the goal of full decriminalisation and workers rights.

However, a European Parliament resolution adopted on 26 February 2014, regarding sexual exploitation and prostitution and its impact on gender equality states that, "decriminalising the sex industry in general and making procuring legal is not a solution to keeping vulnerable women and under-age females safe from violence and exploitation, but has the opposite effect and puts them in danger of a higher level of violence, while at the same time encouraging prostitution markets – and thus the number of women and under-age females suffering abuse – to grow."

Two countries have fully decriminalized sex work. In June 2003, New Zealand became the first country to decriminalize sex work, with the passage of the Prostitution Reform Act. The one remaining criminal law surrounding commercial sexual activities in New Zealand is a requirement to adopt safer sex practices, meaning condom usage is a legal standard. Despite decriminalisation, its sex industry is still controversial, with some issues remaining. In June 2022, Belgium became the first country in Europe and the second country in the world to decriminalize sex work. In 2024, Belgium added full workers rights for Sex Workers, including access to maternity leave, sick pay, health insurance, pensions etc. Several States in Australia have also decriminalised sex work, Queensland (2024), Victoria (2023) and Northern Territory (2019).