EuroMed gender equality news

"The French lower house of parliament has passed a reform of prostitution law imposing fines on clients, a shift to tougher rules which has split the country and angered some sex workers.

Politicians voted 268 in favour and 138 against to give France some of the most restrictive legislation on prostitution in Europe – a radical switch away from the nation's traditionally tolerant attitude.

Those seeking to buy sex will now face a €1,500 (£1,240) fine, while the act of soliciting itself will no longer be punished."

"The French government is expected to pass a bill that punishes the clients of prostitutes, rather than the sex workers themselves.

The bill is being led by women's rights minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem. She said: "We are changing the attitude to the prostituted person. We don't see her as guilty because the prostituted person is a victim."

Under the new bill, the client would be fined €1,500 (£1,250) for a first offence. If caught a second time, the fine would be increased to €3,000.

Proposed laws will follow the "Nordic Model' of prostitution policy, which has worked effectively in parts of Scandinavia."