‘Erotic prison’: Prostitutes are against plans for mega-brothel in Amsterdam

A multi-story erotic center designed by Amsterdam has been described as an "erotic prison" and compared to a 16th-century "revolving house" that exploited those considered "fallen women," reports Dutchnews.nl.

At a meeting with city councilors, most of the more than 40 speakers said they opposed the creation of an erotic center. In December, the mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, recommended the construction of a multiplex for prostitution, entertainment, and erotica in Zuid district.

The plan aims to provide more safe spaces for sex work, improve conditions, reduce crime and human trafficking, and reduce nuisance in the red light district. Several sex workers said they were concerned that if prostitution was pushed out of the historic center of De Wallen, it would be further stigmatized and it would be unsafe for them to travel to and from work. However, sex workers are against the plans, arguing that the site will be like a prison. 

“Sex workers have moved from doorways to windows... and now to an isolated center located on the outskirts of the city, out of sight,” said one speaker. “Keep your laws away from our bodies. No erotic prisons." “Sex work is part of the heart of Amsterdam,” said architect Anna Torres, who came up with an alternative plan to expand the red light district. “Why rip this heart out and put it in a box?”

City councilors, who will also formulate a new policy on prostitution, will vote on whether to create an erotic center in Zuid in two weeks.