The German Green Party’s parliamentary group vice-president, Misbah Khan, has sharply criticized the newly formed federal government expert commission tasked with reviewing the Prostitutes Protection Act, arguing that its structure fundamentally excludes the voices of those directly affected by sex work and human trafficking. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, Khan expressed concern that decisions are being made “routinely over” sex workers rather than with their meaningful participation.
The twelve-member commission, convened in Berlin on Monday, comprises specialists from diverse fields including criminology, social work and digital expertise. Leading the panel is legal expert and criminologist Tillmann Bartsch. While the commission’s mandate includes incorporating the perspectives of sex workers, these individuals are not represented as members.
Khan acknowledged the need for a thorough and practical revision of the Prostitutes Protection Act, highlighting the critical need to dismantle stigmatization, provide adequately trained contact persons within government agencies, ensure independent and comprehensive counseling services and facilitate accessible healthcare support. However, she emphasized that the commission’s current composition undermines these goals by failing to incorporate lived experience.
“While it’s positive that the expert commission is starting its work, this pattern of excluding those with direct knowledge is a significant political oversight” Khan stated.
The Green politician also issued a stark warning against legislative bans on sex work, cautioning that such measures, while potentially appealing to some political factions, would not eliminate the practice. Instead, they risk pushing vulnerable individuals further into the shadows, exposing them to increased risk and rendering them reliant on criminal networks, effectively removing any protective oversight. Her comments underscore a growing debate within Germany regarding the appropriate balance between regulating sex work and ensuring the safety and rights of those involved.