Italy Introduces New Bureaucratic Code for Sex Work, Sparks Controversy
Italy has stirred significant debate following the introduction of a new bureaucratic code aimed at regulating sex workers and various professions within the sex trade. This initiative, part of the country’s administrative framework known as ATECO, encompasses criminal activities such as pimping, raising concerns among lawmakers and activists alike.
Implemented by the National Institute of Statistics (Istat), the revised code took effect this month, categorizing a range of “personal service activities.” Among those explicitly included are escorts, matchmaking services, and organizations that facilitate sexual services or prostitution events, along with the management of venues dedicated to such practices.
The introduction of this code has prompted questions in parliament from two lawmakers, particularly regarding its implications on the safety and rights of sex workers. Critics argue that the bureaucratization of sex work could inadvertently expose women to higher risks of trafficking and exploitation by criminal organizations. Senator Alessandra Maiorino of the opposition Five Star Movement expressed her concerns, stating, “Who made this decision? We are addressing activities that risk creating a grey area, potentially facilitating exploitation and trafficking.”
In contrast, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, representing the far-right League party, praised the code as a “step forward towards good sense and legality.” He emphasized the need for regulation in a sector often dominated by organized crime, notably the mafia, which exerts significant control over the sex trade in Italy.
While sex work itself is legal in Italy, activities such as pimping and operating prostitution rings remain illegal, meaning the new code ambiguously encompasses both lawful and unlawful practices. Istat clarified that the purpose of the code’s development aligns with European Union standards. It is intentionally broad, reflecting varying regulations across EU member states; for instance, countries like Germany and the Netherlands regulate sex work more explicitly.
To maintain comparability of economic data across Europe, the EU classification system includes legal and illegal activities, aiming for comprehensive coverage regardless of each country’s specific regulatory framework. Istat indicated that for Italy, this classification would apply solely to “resident economic operators who carry out legal activities.”
As discussions continue, the implications of this new bureaucratic measure are yet to be fully realized, with significant attention on its potential impact on the safety of sex workers in Italy.
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