The Norwegian Debate on the Sex Buying Act (in force since January 2009)

Professor Janne Haaland Matlary, Department of Political Science at the University of Oslo, presented a paper entitled A ‘Liberal Profession’? The Norwegians Debate on the “Sex Buying Act” to Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS) at Casina Pio IV, Vatican City, April 17th-21st, 2015.
Professor Matlary’s paper gives a comprehensive insight into the impact of the Sex Buying Act (SBA) legally in force in Norway since January 2009. Intending to reduce the demand for sex and to help women find alternative work and a better quality of life, the Act also aimed to prevent human trafficking and to change attitudes towards prostitution.
A recent evaluation of the Act reports a reduction in both demand and supply on the street by as much as 40-65%. Research has found that because of the Act, it is now much more difficult for traffickers and pimps to work in Norway, as both are criminal activities. Another significant research finding concerns attitudinal change in young men against the buying of sex.
RENATE values any research or legislated acts which indicate or lead to the reduction in demand for any form of trafficking and exploitation in human persons.
To read the full text of Professor Matlary’s paper:
http://www.endslavery.va/content/endslavery/en/publications/acta_20/matlary.html
Adapted and prepared by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications Person.