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Switzerland: Zurich launches 'sex drive-ins'
Switzerland: Zurich launches 'sex drive-ins'
By Stephanie Ott, for CNN
updated 6:51 PM EDT, Mon August 26, 2013
(CNN) -- In an attempt to reduce open street prostitution and to improve security for sex workers, Switzerland's largest city, Zurich, is opening "sex drive-ins" Monday.
The nine garage-style structures, located in Sihlquai, a former industrial zone in the city, are equipped with alarm buttons and guarded by security personnel to ensure the safety of the prostitutes. Customers are not allowed to leave the area with the sex workers.
"Prostitution has escalated in the city," said Michael Herzig, from the Zurich social services department. "It was done out in the open on the street and men harassed passers-by.
"It was noisy and dirty because men took the prostitutes to a side street and left used condoms on the streets. The drive-ins are more discreet and safer."
Herzig leads the project, which has cost 2.4 million Swiss francs ($2.6 million) to set up.
"The project is extremely controversial. Prostitution is about morals and religion. But we leave these things aside and see it as a business. The humanitarian aspect is more important for us," said Herzig.
Around 30 to 40 women are expected to work at the site each night. Sex workers have to pay 5 Swiss francs per night to make use of the so-called "sex boxes," but customers don't have to pay an entrance fee.
The drive-ins are open daily from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. and can only be accessed by car. Drivers have to follow a clearly marked route to get to the area, where customers and sex workers can discuss the services offered and agree on a price. The client can then drive into the allocated box, where the service is provided.
There are also showers, toilets, a kitchen and washing machines for the women to use, as well as an advice center where they can seek help from social workers. A gynecologist comes in once a week to offer health checkups for the women.
The city's social services department is running the whole operation and also offers crash courses in German and self-defense courses for the women on site. "All of this will enhance the sex workers' living and working conditions," Herzig said.
Prostitution and consumption of paid sex are legal in Switzerland. Prostitutes are considered self-employed and are liable for taxation.
"We are trying to promote the independence and self-determination of the sex workers," he said. "It's not a unique concept. We went to Utrecht in the Netherlands and Cologne and Essen in Germany, where similar projects exist, to speak to organizers. In Utrecht it's been successfully implemented since 1986."
As well as backing from the authorities, the project in Zurich has a democratic mandate: A referendum was held in March 2012, with 52% of voters in favor.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/26/world/europe/switzerland-sex-drive-ins/index.html?hpt=wo_c2
By Stephanie Ott, for CNN
updated 6:51 PM EDT, Mon August 26, 2013
(CNN) -- In an attempt to reduce open street prostitution and to improve security for sex workers, Switzerland's largest city, Zurich, is opening "sex drive-ins" Monday.
The nine garage-style structures, located in Sihlquai, a former industrial zone in the city, are equipped with alarm buttons and guarded by security personnel to ensure the safety of the prostitutes. Customers are not allowed to leave the area with the sex workers.
"Prostitution has escalated in the city," said Michael Herzig, from the Zurich social services department. "It was done out in the open on the street and men harassed passers-by.
"It was noisy and dirty because men took the prostitutes to a side street and left used condoms on the streets. The drive-ins are more discreet and safer."
Herzig leads the project, which has cost 2.4 million Swiss francs ($2.6 million) to set up.
"The project is extremely controversial. Prostitution is about morals and religion. But we leave these things aside and see it as a business. The humanitarian aspect is more important for us," said Herzig.
Around 30 to 40 women are expected to work at the site each night. Sex workers have to pay 5 Swiss francs per night to make use of the so-called "sex boxes," but customers don't have to pay an entrance fee.
The drive-ins are open daily from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. and can only be accessed by car. Drivers have to follow a clearly marked route to get to the area, where customers and sex workers can discuss the services offered and agree on a price. The client can then drive into the allocated box, where the service is provided.
There are also showers, toilets, a kitchen and washing machines for the women to use, as well as an advice center where they can seek help from social workers. A gynecologist comes in once a week to offer health checkups for the women.
The city's social services department is running the whole operation and also offers crash courses in German and self-defense courses for the women on site. "All of this will enhance the sex workers' living and working conditions," Herzig said.
Prostitution and consumption of paid sex are legal in Switzerland. Prostitutes are considered self-employed and are liable for taxation.
"We are trying to promote the independence and self-determination of the sex workers," he said. "It's not a unique concept. We went to Utrecht in the Netherlands and Cologne and Essen in Germany, where similar projects exist, to speak to organizers. In Utrecht it's been successfully implemented since 1986."
As well as backing from the authorities, the project in Zurich has a democratic mandate: A referendum was held in March 2012, with 52% of voters in favor.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/26/world/europe/switzerland-sex-drive-ins/index.html?hpt=wo_c2
I was going thru downtown Cinti Ohio years ago with a male friend. He was just a friend. He pulled up to a red light and the passenger side door opened and a gal got in the car and scooted me right over to the middle. I didnt know what to think. They guy that was driving looked at my reaction and started laughing! SHE was a prostitute and knew him on a first name basis and thought she could make some money! Yes, Im all for the drive ins after that little embarrassing encounter. Just keep em off the streets! lol
Hmm. Well, prostitution is legal in Canada and the US as well. We just call it Escorts - much prettier word I guess.
As someone who has done a lot of work with former sex trade workers, I can tell you this is far from a victimless crime as so many think. This does a number on women, and becomes very difficult to climb out of. And don't even get me started on the pimps - one of the lowest life forms in existance.
So, to be truthful, I support something like this. It's not going away, and if this empowers the women to be more in charge, protected and safe, then I would be for it. I still will always do my best to help women exit this lifestyle though and hope that programs are incorporated from the proceeds to assist them in doing so. I would have to disagree that this issue is only about morals and religion - there is way more to it then that.
As someone who has done a lot of work with former sex trade workers, I can tell you this is far from a victimless crime as so many think. This does a number on women, and becomes very difficult to climb out of. And don't even get me started on the pimps - one of the lowest life forms in existance.
So, to be truthful, I support something like this. It's not going away, and if this empowers the women to be more in charge, protected and safe, then I would be for it. I still will always do my best to help women exit this lifestyle though and hope that programs are incorporated from the proceeds to assist them in doing so. I would have to disagree that this issue is only about morals and religion - there is way more to it then that.
We can all shake our heads at the immorality of it all, but really it is a better way of dealing with the myriad of issues that rise out of prostitution, including the dangers to the sex workers.
Is it tasteful or ideal? Of course not, but prostitution is a reality and regulating it is the way to go, in my opinion.
It seems to me it is a more hygienic and generally safer practice this way.
Is it tasteful or ideal? Of course not, but prostitution is a reality and regulating it is the way to go, in my opinion.
It seems to me it is a more hygienic and generally safer practice this way.
One way to raise revenue.
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