The Lithuanian parliament has put forward a legislative proposal aimed at drastically increasing the fines for those purchasing sexual services. Currently, fines range between 90 to 140 euros, but the proposed changes could see these penalties soar to between 1000 and 1600 euros for first-time offenders. Supporters of the bill argue that these elevated fines are essential in the fight against prostitution and are aimed at deterring potential offenders from engaging in the purchase of sexual services.

The proposed legislation also includes stricter measures for repeat offenders, who may face fines of up to 3500 euros. This approach reflects a broader trend in several countries to increase penalties for sex work-related offenses, where lawmakers believe that a tougher stance will significantly reduce the prevalence of prostitution on their streets. Advocates for this change are focusing on the social implications, suggesting that reducing demand through severe financial penalties could lead to a healthier societal environment.

However, critics of the bill raise concerns regarding the effectiveness of such punitive measures and argue that simply increasing fines may not address the root causes of prostitution. They suggest that a more comprehensive approach, including support services for sex workers and public education campaigns, may be more effective in tackling the issue. As this legislation progresses through the parliamentary system, it will likely spark debate about the complexities of prostitution policy in Lithuania and beyond.