Feb 17 • 13:06 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Anti-abolitionist associations of prostitution accuse Equality of "ideological imposition" in access to public funds

Anti-abolitionist associations have accused Spain's Equality Minister of imposing ideological standards on public funding related to prostitution.

In a recent development, over 50 anti-abolitionist associations have criticized the Spanish Ministry of Equality for what they describe as an "ideological imposition" concerning the access to public funds aimed at combating gender-based violence and supporting trafficking victims. The Ministry, led by Ana Redondo, has proposed changes to the requirements for obtaining grants to ensure that organizations acknowledge prostitution as a form of violence, which includes sexual and reproductive exploitation. This stance has ignited a debate among various stakeholders.

Critics, including representatives from sex worker unions, feminist organizations, and researchers, argue that these modifications infringe upon constitutional principles by imposing a singular narrative on a complex issue that impacts individuals differently. They fear that framing prostitution solely as violence might neglect the realities and voices of those who engage in sex work voluntarily, raising concerns over the potential marginalization of a group that already faces stigma.

On the other hand, the Ministry defends its position as necessary and constitutional, claiming that it ultimately seeks to protect human rights and enhance the support systems for victims. This disagreement points to a broader societal discussion in Spain regarding the nuances of prostitution and the various perspectives on how best to address issues of sex work, victimization, and gender-based violence.

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