German Cabinet OKs Sex Worker Bill Requiring Condom Use

German Cabinet OKs Sex Worker Bill Requiring Condom Use

BERLIN — Germany's Cabinet today gave the green light for mandatory condoms for sex workers.

The new bill, which would require sex workers to register with the federal government, also places stricter regulation for brothels and requires official permits for operators, who will be screened for certain convictions. Those who have a history of fraud, blackmail or smuggling won’t be able to qualify for permits.

Sex workers, with the proposed bill, also must receive health advice at least every two years, and brothel operators will be forbidden from giving them orders on the "the nature and scale of sexual services."

The new bill, slated to be placed into law by July 2017, now moves forward in Germany’s Legislature and requires parliamentary approval for it to become law.

Violators could be assessed fines of up to €50,000, or $56,000, according to the proposal.

Cornelia Moehring, a senior lawmaker with the opposition Left Party, told the Associated Press that many sex workers will balk at registering because of the fear of social stigma — "so they will continue working illegally and really lose any protection. Obligatory condom use can't be checked and is a pure illusion.”

Hydra e.V., Germany's first sex workers’ association based in Berlin, earlier this month called the piece of legislation as one about “controlling us not protecting us.”

“It would minimize our already scarce chances of finding another job, if we want, or drive us into illegality if we chose not to register for these very reasons,” the group said. “Moreover, we are sure that enforced counselling and registration would not present us with the perfect environment for reporting situations of abuse or exploitation. Finally, the legal enforcement of a practice within the realm of sex, however advisable, would affect our right to sexual self-determination over our own bodies.

“Although not in force yet, we have noticed a growing panic around this threatening new law. Many are unsure of its precise stipulations and are scared of its consequences,” the group said. “The vast majority of us refuse the mere idea of ever getting registered. Sex workers are getting more and more suspicious of authorities and institutions, insecure about their future livelihood, and angry.

“Our conviction is that sex workers know best what would improve their lives.”

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

CORRECTION: Pornhub to Remain Live in Ohio, Despite AV Law

Pornhub parent company Aylo will not block access to its websites in Ohio, despite new state age verification rules that came into effect Sept. 30.

Tommy Gunn Publishes Memoir 'Unloaded'

Tommy Gunn has published a new memoir, titled “Tommy Gunn: Unloaded.”

'Elvish E-Girl' Elly Clutch Stars in Latest From Brazzers

2024 XMAs Female Clip Creator of the Year Elly Clutch stars with Victor Ray and Chloe Foxxe in the latest scene from Brazzers, titled “Elvish E-Girl Elly.”

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'ADHD-Friendly' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers with ADHD.

Judge Dismisses Some Claims in 'Children of Pornhub' Trafficking Suit

A United States district judge on Friday dismissed some but not all claims against Aylo in a long-running case involving CSAM allegations featured in the influential 2020 New York Times article “The Children of Pornhub.”

Ricky's Room Drops Final Installment of Roxie Sinner Showcase

Ricky’s Room has released the final installment of its Roxie Sinner showcase, titled "Full Court Roxie."

Hailey Rose Leads Latest From Jules Jordan

Multi-XMAs winner Hailey Rose stars with Max Fills and Victor Ray in the latest release from Jules Jordan.

Dani Synclair Performs Her 1st Anal for West Coast Productions

Dani Synclair has performed her first anal scene with Isiah Maxwell in the latest release from West Coast Productions (WCP).

Pornhub Shuts Down Access in Ohio Over Age Verification

Aylo began geoblocking Pornhub across the state of Ohio on Tuesday, as the state’s age verification law goes into effect.

FSC Sets Key Dates, Qualifiers for December Board of Directors Election

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) today announced key dates and qualifiers for its upcoming Board of Directors election.

Show More