The Frauentormauer: A Ancient hub of Prostitution

nuremberg, Germany, is home to the Frauentormauer, one of the nation’s oldest and most well-known red-light districts. Situated in the heart of the city,this area is characterized by a high concentration of brothels where women often solicit customers from windows. The constant presence of law enforcement underscores the complex issues surrounding prostitution in this district.

The Spectrum of Prostitution: From Exploitation to Autonomy

The landscape of prostitution is complex, encompassing issues ranging from pimping and human trafficking to the perceived autonomy of sex work. in Middle Franconia, police estimate that approximately 1,000 women are involved in prostitution. While the brothels along the Frauentormauer remain a visible part of the industry, police reports indicate that private residences, vacation rentals, and hotel rooms are increasingly utilized for sex work, playing a more significant role in the overall picture. This shift presents challenges for regulation and support services.

Conflicting Ideologies: Abolition vs. Normalization

The debate surrounding prostitution—whether it should be abolished or normalized—continues to be a contentious issue in Nuremberg. Two organizations, Kassandra EV and Sisters EV, advocate for sex workers but hold fundamentally opposing views. Kassandra EV, founded in 1987, champions the rights, equality, and social recognition of prostitutes. In contrast, Sisters EV, established in Nuremberg in December 2024, focuses on providing exit strategies and choice opportunities for women seeking to leave the sex industry.

Voices from the Field: Divergent Perspectives on Choice and Exploitation

The contrasting viewpoints of these organizations highlight the deep divisions within the debate. Konstantin Dellbrügge, a board member of Kassandra EV and a sex worker, argues that many support services are unwanted, stating, There are many excessive clubs or advice centers that the women want to save. But women just want to earn money and not be saved. Conversely,vivien All-rye,a former sex worker and volunteer at Sisters EV,contends that the notion of voluntary prostitution is often overstated: It is not normal for men to be able to buy access to a body. Women who prostitute themselves voluntarily are clearly the minority.

The Nordic Model: A Potential Solution?

Sisters EV advocates for the implementation of the Nordic Model, a legal framework that criminalizes the purchase of sex while decriminalizing the act of prostitution itself. This approach aims to reduce demand and protect vulnerable individuals. Nia (pseudonym), a spokeswoman for the Sisters local group, explains, Simply for the reason that a maximum of ten percent of women voluntarily prostitute themselves, the Nordic Model offers a more humane and effective solution.

The Nordic model has seen varying degrees of success in countries like Sweden and Norway. While proponents claim it reduces trafficking and exploitation, critics argue that it drives prostitution underground and can make sex workers more vulnerable. The debate continues as Nuremberg grapples with finding a path forward.