“It breaks down like this-
It’s legal to buy it, it’s legal to own it. And if you’re the proprietor of a hash bar, it’s legal to sell it. Its legal to carry it, but that doesn’t really matter because – get a load of this – if you get stopped by the cops in Amsterdam, it’s illegal for them to search you”. Pulp Fiction
In the Netherlands sex workers have access to the social security system, may join unions, have to pay income tax and are treated like any other self-employed tradesperson. Health and social services are readily available, but people who work in the sex industry are not required to register or undergo mandatory health checks. Sex workers have to be at least 18 years old.
This system has worked well so far, but things are about to change. The widespread phenomenon of Human trafficking has led to a revision of the laws in many countries. Last week the Dutch government announced plans to criminalise the visiting of prostitutes that are not officially licensed. Furthermore, authorities will compel prostitutes to be registered in a national database. Previously, only brothels had tobe registered to obtain a license.
