The proposal by Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU) to introduce a ban on the purchase of sexual services, mirroring the so-called “Nordic Model” has been cautiously welcomed by the women’s rights organization Solwodi. Maria Decker, Solwodi’s chairwoman, lauded the initiative as a “significant step towards better protection for women” in comments released to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”.
However, Decker expressed deep skepticism that the current ruling coalition will embrace this policy shift. She argues that the government seems averse to tackling further contentious issues, citing a lack of parliamentary consensus. Internal divisions within the CDU, coupled with disagreements between the CDU and the SPD, render a decisive move on this matter unlikely, as policymakers actively avoid potential conflict.
Beyond the immediate proposal, Decker is calling for a fundamental reassessment of Germany’s prostitution policies. She contends that the previous attempts to decriminalize and integrate prostitution, enacted over two decades ago, have demonstrably failed. Instead, Germany has become, in her view, a hub for sex tourism, contributing to precarious conditions for numerous individuals involved.
Echoing a core tenet of the Nordic Model, Decker emphasized that viable exit programs are crucial to support those seeking to leave the industry. “This is not inexpensive” she acknowledged, “but it is a worthwhile investment.
The efficacy of the Nordic Model itself remains the subject of ongoing debate. While supporters believe it reduces demand for prostitution and offers support to those seeking alternatives, critics fear that criminalizing clients will simply drive the industry further underground, exacerbating risks for sex workers and hindering access to essential support. The available research on the model’s impact across different countries presents a mixed and inconclusive picture, complicating the discussion surrounding its potential adoption in Germany.
