Prostitution in Serbia: Is it time to legalize the oldest profession or keep it taboo?
Summer season brings sun, sea, tourists, and a rarely spoken about phenomenon – prostitution along the coast. Where is the line between law and personal choice? Who profits, and who suffers? This topic was discussed by police union leaders, journalists, and security experts.
Where is the boundary between personal choice and the law?
Blažo Marković, president of the Police Union, states that there is no true elite prostitution in Serbia, only prostitutes who go for money. Prostitution is widespread – from Zlatibor to Belgrade. The state loses millions of euros because sexual work is not taxed. In Slovenia, legalization brought in 20 to 30 million euros in tax revenue.
Marković believes legalization is a good idea because prices would drop from over 100 euros to about 70 euros, and the state would have control over the business. He adds that in Slovenia, the youngest sex worker was only 23 years old, indicating young people are involved.
But is it really that simple?
Teodora Borožan, a journalist, warns about the negative effects of normalizing prostitution. Media often portray this job as lucrative and easy, which might influence young people to drop out of school and choose prostitution as a career. This is a serious problem as it sends the wrong message to the youth.
Elite prostitution and chaos on the streets
Boža Spasić, former head of a special state security team, says prostitution is the oldest profession and an indestructible social category. He points out that elite prostitution flourishes in summer, often on yachts, where filming and drug use occur. Spasić claims the situation in Serbia is chaotic, with anyone engaging in prostitution anywhere without control.
Jasa Ana, a rescuer, adds that it is easy to enter this profession but hard to leave. Many girls easily start with millionaires but end up in serious trouble, often on yachts in Budva where abuse and life-threatening situations occur.
Why does the state stay silent?
Legalization would allow control over sex workers, pimps, and locations where the work is done. Currently, the situation is chaotic, and the state loses millions in taxes. While Montenegro and Croatia have somewhat legalized prostitution, Serbia remains in the dark.
What do you think?
Is legalization of prostitution in Serbia a necessary measure for control and safety, or a dangerous normalization with negative consequences for society and youth? Should the state take responsibility or continue to turn a blind eye?
Share your thoughts; maybe your idea can spark change. And if you’re for it, how much would you pay for an “elite” service? Just asking, so we know where we stand!
Key facts:
- Prostitution is widespread across Serbia, from Zlatibor to Belgrade.
- The state loses millions of euros in taxes because sexual work is not legalized.
- In Slovenia, legalization brings in 20-30 million euros annually.
- Elite prostitution flourishes in summer on yachts, with filming and drug use.
- Young girls easily enter prostitution but find it hard to leave.
- Legalization would provide control and safety.
Join the conversation because this is not a topic to stay silent about! Who knows, maybe you have the solution for the oldest profession in the Balkans.
