When German Sex Workers Give Government Direction On Health Protocols In Brothels

Photo illustration (Maru Lombardo / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Dozens of commercial sex workers in Hamburg, Germany rallied. They demanded the government re-open brothels in the Red Light District.

Saturday, July 11, they voiced the fate of immoral people who have not lost their income and have not been able to return to their jobs. Germany is known to have closed brothels since the COVID-19 outbreak.

However, when shops, restaurants and bars began to open again, the government had yet to open brothels. Launching Reuters, a woman from a brothel on Herbertstrasse carried an evocative message on her poster: The oldest profession needs your help.

In addition, there were protesters wearing masks and playing theatrical acts. Others play folk songs on the violin around the corner of the Reeperbahn which is famous for its nightlife.

The sex workers' association, which is organizing the protests, said the continued closure of registered brothels would force a number of commercial sex workers onto the streets. For them, it will have far potential to transmit COVID-19.

The sex workers added that closing brothels was no longer a solution. They even provide recommendations regarding protocols that can be applied in brothel operations. For example, the use of face masks, ventilated areas, to the contact details of visitors for tracing purposes in case of transmission from brothel operations.

"Prostitution does not carry a greater risk of infection than other services close to the body, such as massage, cosmetics or even dancing or contact sports. Hygiene is part of the prostitution business," the association said in a statement.