France passes bill making paying for sex illegal

French MPs have passed a law that makes it illegal to pay for sex. 

Culprits will be fined up to four thousand dollars if found buying sexual acts. 

Those convicted will also be required to attend classes to learn about the conditions faced by prostitutes.

It has taken more than two years to pass the controversial legislation because of differences between the two houses of parliament over the issue.  

Some sex workers protested against the law during the final debate. Sixty demonstrators outside Parliament in Paris, carried banners and placards one of which read: "Don't liberate me, I'll take care of myself".  

Members of the Strass sex Workers' Union say the law will affect the livelihoods of France's sex workers, estimated to be between thirty and forty thousand. 


SOURCE: BBC news