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In the heart of Europe, where alpine tranquillity meets progressive legislation, Switzerland stands as an example of how a country can navigate the complex landscape of laws in the adult industry . Since the legalisation of sex work in 1942, the country has developed a comprehensive set of regulations aimed at protecting the rights of sex workers while addressing public health and societal concerns. But as debates over stricter regulations and sex workers' rights continue, Switzerland faces the challenge of balancing progress with protection and ensuring that its approach remains both humane and effective.
The perception of the adult industry in Switzerland
A recent survey of 3466 participants clearly shows that the majority of respondents have a direct or indirect connection to the industry. For example, 71.2 % der Befragten an, Kunden von sexuellen Dienstleistungen zu sein, während 14,4 % stated that they are self-employed in the industry and 8.6 <x id=" work in clubs or studios. These figures show that the industry is deeply rooted in society and cannot be considered a marginal phenomenon.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large wp-block-image-full"><img src="https://my-ladies.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/blog_images/1.jpg" alt=""/></figure> <h2><strong>Legal regulation and its impact</strong></h2> <p>The Swiss adult entertainment industry, which is considered a global role model for regulated sex work, shows that well thought-out legislation can promote safety, personal responsibility and economic growth. In addition to the well-known "sex boxes" and massage studios, there are also a large number of licensed premises with operating licences that are subject to strict legal requirements. These businesses must guarantee comprehensive transparency vis-à-vis the authorities. For example, in cantons such as Zurich and Lucerne, erotic businesses are authorised by the authorities and are subject to regular inspections.</p <p>But are the current regulations enough? According to the survey, 40.6 " /> of respondents believe that the current controls and regulations are sufficient to guarantee the safety and rights of sex workers. 28.8 % sind sich unsicher, während 24,9 % call for stricter regulations and only 5.9 <x id=" are in favour of less restrictive regulations. These figures show that the majority of people feel that the current system is adequate, but that there is still a need for optimisation.</p <figure class="wp-block-image size-large wp-block-image-full"><img src="https://my-ladies.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/blog_images/2.jpg" alt=""/></figure> <h2><strong>Discrimination and social acceptance</strong></h2> <p>Despite the legal recognition of sex work, sex workers in Switzerland continue to experience stigmatisation. For example, sex workers do not receive loans or housing, or are rejected by insurance companies and banks. This happens despite the fact that they work legally, pay taxes and make social security contributions. There is still no real equality. 47 " /> of respondents state that prostitution is still discriminated against. 36.7 % sehen zwar eine steigende Anerkennung, betonen jedoch, dass es noch erhebliches Verbesserungspotenzial gibt. Nur 10,9 % of the participants believe that the industry is fully accepted. These results support the thesis that, despite legal regulation, there is still a social barrier that strongly influences sex workers in their everyday lives.
Developments in Germany: a cautionary tale?
Prostitution has been legalised in Germany since 2002. Now, 23 years later, various politicians, particularly from the CDU, CSU and SPD, are calling for a ban on buying sex. While the CDU and CSU have already included this in their current election programme, the SPD is still debating whether it should be included. The ban is based on the so-called Swedish model, in which the purchase of sexual services is a criminal offence. Interestingly, current figures show that the number of sex workers registered in Germany under the Prostitutes Protection Act (ProstSchG) was around 30,600 at the end of 2023 - an increase of 8.3 % gegenüber dem Vorjahr. Dennoch bleibt diese Zahl weit unter dem Niveau von 2019, als es noch 40.400 gemeldete Prostituierte gab. Dies deutet darauf hin, dass strengere Regulierungen keinen Rückgang des Gewerbes bewirken, sondern es eher in die Illegalität drängen könnten.
In Schweden wurde das sogenannte “Nordische Modell” bereits 1999 eingeführt, um den Kauf sexueller Dienstleistungen zu bestrafen, während der Verkauf weiterhin erlaubt ist. Das Ziel war es, Menschenhandel und Ausbeutung zu reduzieren. Doch Berichte zeigen, dass Prostitution weiterhin existiert und sogar in verdecktere, gefährlichere Arbeitsbedingungen gedrängt wurde. Studien und Aussagen von Berufsverbänden belegen, dass sich das Risiko für Gewalt und Menschenhandel für Sexarbeiterinnen erhöht hat, da der illegale Markt nun schwerer zu kontrollieren ist. Zudem fehlen belastbare Statistiken über das tatsächliche Ausmass der Prostitution, da offizielle, legale Standorte fehlen und Betroffene vermehrt im Verborgenen arbeiten.
Welche Massnahmen sind notwendig?
Eine der wichtigsten Fragen in der aktuellen Debatte ist, welche Massnahmen ergriffen werden sollten, um die Situation der Sexarbeiterinnen in der Schweiz nachhaltig zu verbessern. Laut der Umfrage sind sich 42,9 % of those surveyed agreed that the recognition of sex work as a legal occupation must be promoted in society. 37.1 % fordern eine bessere Gesundheitsaufklärung und Prävention, während 9,7 % are unsure and do not have enough information to make a decision. These results show that there is considerable awareness of the challenges in the industry and that many people consider greater social acceptance to be necessary.
A realistic view of the industry
The reality of the Swiss adult industry is in stark contrast to the sensationalist headlines that often circulate in the press. The claim that sex work is generally associated with human trafficking and coercion is simply false. The survey clearly shows that it is the legal, registered employment relationships that offer protection and security. The real danger is where work is carried out in unauthorised premises or where the legal framework is circumvented.
In authorised businesses, everything is subject to clear regulations: Working hours, safety measures, tax obligations and hygiene standards are monitored. Anyone working in such an environment enjoys the same rights and obligations as in any other industry. The black market, on the other hand, harbours risks, and this is the real problem that needs to be addressed politically.
Conclusion: A fair picture instead of false accusations
Swiss legislation shows that regulated erotic work is carried out in a safe and structured manner. The survey results support the statements made in our blog post from 10 May 2024 and refute the false allegations that often circulate in the media. The discussion about the adult entertainment industry must be based on facts and not on sensationalist journalism. Only those who work illegally or in unregistered premises are at risk - not those who work within the legal framework.
It is time to recognise this reality and have a fact-based discussion about the adult entertainment industry in Switzerland. The industry needs more recognition, less stigmatisation and, above all, honest reporting that is based on the actual facts.
You can find more blog articles on this topic here:
https://my-ladies.ch/blog/artikel/sexarbeit-in-der-schweiz-ist-legal-und-wird-streng-reguliert
https://my-ladies.ch/blog/artikel/das-joy-house-club-interview
