On Monday, Russia’s Right Cause party announced its decision to include the legalization of prostitution in its platform if public opinion supports it. The party plans to hold several big social studies in order to reveal society's opinion upon this subject.
Legalizing prostitution would allow women to have the same rights as other workers, giving them a safe working environment, access to regular medical checks and the retirement system, the party spokesman Andrei Dunayev said. He adds that women are now forced work in completely unbearable conditions and are used like slaves. The party's goal is to decriminalize that sphere of people's labour.
Prostitution in Russia is currently not a criminal offense but is a minor administrative offense punishable by a fine of up to 2,000 rubles ($65). Organizing prostitution, however is punishable by up to five years in prison.
Several European countries have already legalized prostitution including Austria, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, and the Netherlands.
Author: Julia Alieva