South Korean sex workers called Thursday for a repeal of the current law banning sex trafficking, a case that reignited a public debate over prostitution in the male-dominated society.
“Nobody’s a victim if there was no exploitation or intimidation involved,” an unidentified woman read from a petition signed by about 900 sex workers at the Constitutional Court.
They also claimed the law goes against the “principle of minimal intervention” as it punishes the voluntary choice by female adults.
Sex trafficking is an offense that is punishable by up to a year in prison or a maximum fine of 3 million won ($2,700).
Around 250 sex workers, mostly clad in sunglasses to apparently hide their identities, showed up to submit their petitions and attend the first public hearing on the issue. Only half, however, were allowed to enter the court room due to limited space.
The case came after a 44-year-old woman accused of sex trafficking in 2012 for what she claims was for a living filed a petition with the court, questioning the constitutionality of the current law. (Yonhap)
