Berlin: Ban on prostitution activities to be lifted gradually

On August 4, 2020, the Berlin Senate adopted a step-by-step model to lift the ban on activities involving sexual services with physical contact.

Due to the Corona pandemic, different strategies exist nationwide to deal with prostitution. In Berlin, sexual services with body contact are currently prohibited, as well as prostitution businesses are closed. In some areas of body-related services, such as hair salons, tattoo studios, massage parlors, etc., there have already been initial relaxations, taking into account strict hygiene regulations.

In view of the often very precarious situation of sex workers, it seems advisable from the point of view of health policy, but also from the point of view of women’s policy, to think about relaxing measures for this sector as well, so that they can work legally. Otherwise, there is a danger that those affected will fall into dependency due to economic hardship and pursue their activity in secret under conditions that endanger their health.

For this reason, the Berlin Senate has adopted a phased model of how the relaxation measures in the erotic industry could be designed. From August 8, 2020, sexual services without sexual intercourse will initially be permitted again. From September 1, sexual services with sexual intercourse will then also be permitted again under strict conditions, the Senate Chancellery said in a press release.