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France's Prostitution Law: Evaluating Safety Impact by 2025

12/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In 2016, France changed prostitution law to shift the legal burden from prostitutes to clients.
The reform made buying sex illegal while selling sex remained legal, drawing praise from some anti-prostitution groups.
Prostitutes argued the law would push the trade underground and increase risks.
As of 2025, observers are evaluating the law's impact on sex workers' safety and rights and the ongoing complexities surrounding prostitution in France.

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Story summary

In 2016, France changed prostitution law to shift the legal burden from prostitutes to clients.
The reform made buying sex illegal while selling sex remained legal, drawing praise from some anti-prostitution groups.
Prostitutes argued the law would push the trade underground and increase risks.
As of 2025, observers are evaluating the law's impact on sex workers' safety and rights and the ongoing complexities surrounding prostitution in France.