Prostitution in Iceland
Encyclopedia
Paying for sex is illegal in Iceland
. In April 2009, the Icelandic Parliament passed new legislation that makes paying for sex illegal (the client commits a crime, but not the prostitute).
Opinion polls have shown that up to 70% of the Icelandic population supports banning the purchase of sexual services.
The original plan, by the then Minister of Social Affairs, Ásta Ragnheiður Jóhannesdóttir
, included both prostitution and stripping.
Strip shows have been banned since 2010.
Johanna Sigurðardottir
, Iceland's prime minister, who is an open lesbian, said: "The Nordic countries are leading the way on women's equality, recognizing women as equal citizens rather than commodities for sale."
The politician behind the bill, Kolbrún Halldórsdóttir
, said: "It is not acceptable that women or people in general are a product to be sold."
The law is supported by Icelandic feminists.
Internationally, radical feminists, such as Julie Bindel
, have celebrated the ban as a landmark decision for feminism.
Other bloggers disagree, arguing that it may drive the industry underground.
The police have stated that they do not have the resources to enforce the law and that despite the law prostitution is thriving. Consequently a vigilante group called “Stóra systir” (“Big Sister”) has been formed.
This move was supported by international women's groups.
Finally, in 2009, the paying for sex was outlawed, criminalizing the clients, while selling sex remained decriminalized. The new law has put Iceland in line with Sweden
and Norway
.
Iceland
Iceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
. In April 2009, the Icelandic Parliament passed new legislation that makes paying for sex illegal (the client commits a crime, but not the prostitute).
Opinion polls have shown that up to 70% of the Icelandic population supports banning the purchase of sexual services.
The original plan, by the then Minister of Social Affairs, Ásta Ragnheiður Jóhannesdóttir
Ásta Ragnheiður Jóhannesdóttir
Asta Ragnheiour Johannesdottir is an Icelandic politician and Speaker of Alþingi, Iceland's parliament. She was Iceland's Minister of Social Affairs and Social Security from 1 February 2009 – 14 May 2009. She has been a member of the Alþing since 1995.- References :...
, included both prostitution and stripping.
Strip shows have been banned since 2010.
Johanna Sigurðardottir
Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir
Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir , , is the Prime Minister of Iceland. Many years a politician, she was previously Iceland's Minister of Social Affairs and Social Security from 1987–1994 and 2007–2009. She has been a member of the Althing for Reykjavík constituencies since 1978, winning re-election on eight...
, Iceland's prime minister, who is an open lesbian, said: "The Nordic countries are leading the way on women's equality, recognizing women as equal citizens rather than commodities for sale."
The politician behind the bill, Kolbrún Halldórsdóttir
Kolbrún Halldórsdóttir
Kolbrún Halldórsdóttir is an Icelandic politician with the Left-Green Movement. She has been a member of the Althing for Reykjavík constituencies since 1999. She is currently Minister for the Environment and Minister for Nordic Cooperation, having assumed office 1 February 2009.- External links :*...
, said: "It is not acceptable that women or people in general are a product to be sold."
The law is supported by Icelandic feminists.
Internationally, radical feminists, such as Julie Bindel
Julie Bindel
Julie Bindel is an English writer, feminist and co-founder of the group Justice For Women, which opposes violence against women from a feminist viewpoint....
, have celebrated the ban as a landmark decision for feminism.
Other bloggers disagree, arguing that it may drive the industry underground.
The police have stated that they do not have the resources to enforce the law and that despite the law prostitution is thriving. Consequently a vigilante group called “Stóra systir” (“Big Sister”) has been formed.
History
Before 2007, selling sex was illegal: according to the 206th article of the Icelandic Penal Code (almenn hegningarlög): "Anyone engaging in prostitution for own upkeep shall be subject to imprisonment for up to 2 years." That paragraph was deleted in 2007, as the government argued that most people who sell sex do so because they have no other choice or because they are forced into prostitution by others. By making selling sex legal, the government believes individuals who have been forced into prostitution would rather come forward and lead police to those responsible.This move was supported by international women's groups.
Finally, in 2009, the paying for sex was outlawed, criminalizing the clients, while selling sex remained decriminalized. The new law has put Iceland in line with Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
and Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
.