Finland’s new bill protects prostitutes

Finland’s new bill protects prostitutes

Police hope the bill will discourage prostitution by frightening off potential purchasers of sexual favors, who are unlikely to know if a prostitute has been forced to sell sex by criminals who profit from the trade or as a victim of human trafficking.

The maximum punishment for violating the new law, which is expected to come into force later this year, would be a six-month prison sentence, according to the AP.

The vote passed 158-15 in the 200-member Parliament, with 27 lawmakers abstaining or being absent from the session.

A motion to ban all purchases and sales of sexual favors was rejected.