We have heard a lot recently about sex worker law. In Ireland, this week it became illegal to pay for sex. All this was done in spite of research that said the law would be counter-productive, will force the industry underground, and endanger sex workers. Hell, Amnesty International think it is stupid, and I don’t see too many sex traffickers working there. You would be forgiven for thinking the debate was only heading one way, with more hard antisexwork laws. That is why I was rather delighted to read about the ‘sex ambulance’ in Denmark. What is that you may ask? Well, read on.
A old ambulance called “Sexelance” is a safe space for Copenhagen’s sex workers. They can bring clients here with the knowledge that volunteers are around to step in if things turn nasty. It is all the brainchild of Michael Lodberg Olsen.
“Sex workers in Denmark are violated or threatened 45% of the time, but at a brothel this figure is only 3%,” Michael says, using figures from the Danish National Centre for Social Research.
Before you ask, this isn’t public sex as it is very discreet. It isn’t one of those strange stories where people get it on in public.
A Contradictory Law
Having a look at the Danish law, it seems that although prostitution is legal, it is illegal to work on the streets, or for workers to rent rooms or hire help (like security)
Well, ‘Sexelence’ gives these men and women somewhere to go. They are also supplied with wipes, condoms, heating, and a number to call if they are trafficked.
“These people are my neighbours and friends so I listen to them, they have the best ideas for what they need,” Michael says. For instance, the sex workers told him they often get sore knees.
It seems that this is becoming very popular indeed, despite the bizarre setting. In fact, he says the the sex ambulance has been used at least 45 times.
“If the sex workers think it’s a good idea then they will ask the customers to come here and tell them, ‘It’s a safe place, there are all the condoms we need, and there’s heat!'” Michael laughs.
Helping Sex Workers
To be fair, I think this is brilliant. It is better to protect sex workers than to create ideological laws which will harm them. Though we can all laugh about the idea of a sex ambulance riding around the streets, it actually is doing a great job. It gives warmth and safety to some of the most vulnerable in society.
Let us get something straight, some of these people who invent these laws attacking sex work don’t care about the safety of sex workers. They just want to attack the industry. Human rights doesn’t even come close to the top of the list of priorities, if they even register at all.
Everyone here at Escort Scotland gives Mr Olsen big thumbs up. He is doing something good. If I saw this around the streets where I live, I wouldn’t mind at all.
Sometimes we need to really think outside of the box in order to keep people safe. That always has to be the priority.
Since then, he has specialised in articles on the battle for equal rights for sex workers, sexual health, as well as bringing the readers fun news from around the world. He also has a major interest in LGBT rights, and is an active campaigner in this field.
When he isn't fighting the good fight, he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, and young daughter. He also enjoys reading and taking long walks.
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