Sex workers in Amsterdam don’t want to move
26 October 2023
Sex workers in Amsterdam demonstrated against the proposed relocation of the Red Light District to a newly built “erotic centre” outside the city centre. The mayor wants to move the famous window brothels away from the historic heart of the city to shed its "sin city" image and reduce mass tourism and criminal activity in the area. However, the sex workers are staunchly opposed to this move, claiming that they are being stigmatised and blamed for problems they did not create. They have long argued that such a relocation would harm their livelihood and rights without actually addressing the existing problems in the area. More than 22,000 people have signed a petition against the plan, calling for more police surveillance and better crowd control to combat the nuisances instead.
 | Nathan Domon This plan is part of Amsterdam’s broader effort to transform its image and round off its rough edges. The city has launched a "stay away" campaign to deter bachelor parties and rowdy tourists. Recent measures include earlier closing times for bars and window brothels, as well as a ban on smoking cannabis outdoors in the Red Light District. Critics view this clean-up bid as a gentrification plan aimed at attracting higher-end tourism, and worry that it might drive out the lively diversity and unique charm of the 800-year-old neighbourhood. |
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