Spanish capital brings in fines for those who buy sex

PROSTITUTE customers in Madrid could risk fines of up to €60,000 after the coming into force of the so-called ‘gag law’.
Delegate of the Spanish Government in Madrid, Concepcion Dancausa, announced on Friday (July 24) that police presence would be increased at the Marconi Industrial Site, the Casa de Campo and Calle Montera and also in areas frequently transited by children and young people, where people paying for sex would be prosecuted.
In a press conference, Ms Dancausa explained that the new Citizens’ Safety Law (popularly known as the gag law), had opened a new line of action to combat prostitution, especially in areas near cultural centres, children’s parks and schools’ surroundings.
These fines, considered severe, would range between €601 and €30,000, as the law prosecutes the “request and enjoyment of sexual services in public areas, near schools or parks and other areas used by minors or areas where this activity may present a road hazard.”
But not only customers are targeted by these law – prostitutes will also be fined as the article number 11 explains: “Police officers will request people who offer these services to abstain from doing it in the above mentioned areas, informing them that persisting in this behaviour could represent an infraction.”
Residents of the most affected areas have been requesting a solution for years, Ms Dancausa stressed.