Iceland bill would end fines for buying sex

Iceland’s justice minister has introduced a bill that would end fines for buying sex and require cases to go to court, mbl.is reports. Þorbjörg S. Gunnlaugsdóttir presented the proposed changes to the country’s parliament on Tuesday.

The bill aims to reduce demand for prostitution, combat human trafficking for sexual exploitation and tackle organised crime and sexual offences, according to a statement from the Icelandic government. Under the proposal, buyers’ names would be made public if cases proceed to prosecution and trial.

Buying sex has been a criminal offence in Iceland since 2009. First-time cases are generally resolved with a police commissioner’s fine of 200,000 Icelandic krónur. The proposed change is intended to ensure that the handling of cases reflects the seriousness of the offence and strengthens the law’s deterrent effect.

The bill would also raise the maximum prison sentence for offences against children from two years to four. Negligence about a child’s age could also be punishable, and the bill would clarify that buying sex is an offence even when someone else pays for it.

Police believe prostitution is largely driven by organised crime and suspect that many women advertised for prostitution are victims of human trafficking. The bill’s explanatory notes say demand for prostitution is a key condition enabling trafficking and sexual exploitation.

A similar change was made to Sweden’s criminal code last year.