Justice
Rome's Prostitution Zone Controversy Can Be Traced Back to Bad City Planning Decisions
EUR was once one of Rome's more exclusive areas. It wasn't sex workers who caused its recent problems.
Did Rome’s mayor see the firestorm of debate coming when he went public this weekend with plans to create a legal red light district in Italy’s capital?
Slated for launch this April, the zone would mark out a largely non-residential area within which sex workers could solicit publicly, albeit under official supervision. It was always likely to prove controversial, but even at blueprint stage, the plan has ignited a firestorm of commentary in the Italian media. “Red Light Zone: Oasis or Ghetto?” asked La Stampa. “Transvestites and Prostitutes: We Must Protect the Family” shouted Rai News’ headline, setting Italy up for a major debate about sex work and public order.