Abolishing the paragraph on pimping in the penal code is now under consideration by Venstre, a Danish political party. This initiative, according to the party’s social spokesperson Christian Friis Bach, aims to improve conditions for sex workers.

Bach argues that the current law prevents sex workers who willingly engage in the profession from accessing safe and regulated working environments. He believes that organizing in trade unions, hiring security, or renting appropriate premises would provide better conditions.

The government has recently established a working group to assess the impact of the pimping law, which currently criminalizes operating a business where individuals engage in paid sexual relations with customers. The law’s primary objective is to safeguard sex workers, predominantly women, from exploitation.

Minister for Social Affairs and Housing Sophie Hæstorp Andersen has expressed openness to reevaluating the legislation, emphasizing the importance of determining whether the current law hinders sex workers from achieving security and safety.

Historically, both Venstre and Socialdemokratiet have opposed easing or abolishing the pimping law. In 2015, Venstre’s legal spokesperson Preben Bang Henriksen stated that the party saw no reason to change the law, citing the significant crime associated with it. Similarly, Trine Bramsen of Socialdemokratiet emphasized the unacceptability of trading women for prostitution and the necessity of strict legislation.

These earlier statements were made in response to a proposal from Liberal Alliance to ease the law. The Conservatives also indicated their willingness to review the pimping law at that time.

Currently, the penalty for pimping in Denmark is up to four years in prison.