Solidarity with prostitutes?

Comments from social ethics on an emotional debate

Abstract

In order to protect women in sex work, the EU Parliament called for Europe-wide uniform guidelines in September 2023. The resolution, which votes in favor of the ›Nordic model‹, is rooted in an extensive global discussion about prostitution. In the Federal Republic of Germany, this discussion was rekindled with the liberalization of prostitution in 2002. Although they demand solidarity with prostitutes, there are two opposing perspectives in the dispute over the practical and legal consequences of this demand. In this emotional and sometimes irreconcilable debate, the article seeks to build new bridges of understanding, drawing on concept of solidarity as a practice of empowerment. It argues that calls for solidarity with prostitutes should take effect long before the legislative level.