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In Denmark, prostitution itself is legal, but operating brothels and other forms of pimping are illegal activities.^[1]

Legal situation

Prior to 1999, a person could be a prostitute only if prostitution was not her main source of income.

Prostitution was fully decriminalized on 17 March, 1999, when changes were made in the penal code, but practically it had been tolerated for a long time prior to these changes to the penal code. Both selling and buying sexual services are legal, but activities such as running brothels and pimping are illegal.

The age of consent in Denmark is 15 years, however, for prostitution it is 18 years. ^[2][3]

Prostitute population

There are approximately 5,000-6,000 prostitutes in the country, including an estimated 2,000-3,000 foreign women, some of whom are believed to be trafficking victims.^[4]

The traditional center for prostitution in Copenhagen is the district behind the Copenhagen Central Rail Station (Mainly Istedgade, Halmtorvet and Skelbækgade), and until recently the number of street prostitutes and sexually oriented businesses in this area was declining. Now street prostitutes - mainly from Eastern Europe and Africa - are growing in numbers. Like many other European cities, many prostitutes now use internet based ads for incall and outcall services.

Customers

A study by Claus Lautrups found that 14% of Danish men have payed for sex at least once.^[5]

Reform to the prostitution laws

Currently there are discussions in Denmark about outlawing the buying of sexual services^[6]. This would put Denmark in line with Sweden, Norway and Iceland.

References