Amsterdam's ambitious plan to establish a multi-storey erotic center has sparked intense opposition, with critics dubbing it an "erotic prison" reminiscent of historical exploitation.

At a city hall meeting lasting over three hours, more than 40 speakers expressed their dissent, emphasizing concerns about safety, stigmatization, and the sheer scale of the proposed facility.

The proposal, put forward by Mayor Femke Halsema in December, designates a location in Zuid for a multiplex featuring 100 prostitution windows, entertainment, and erotica. The aim is to create a safer space for sex work, enhance working conditions, curb criminal activity and human trafficking, and alleviate disturbances in the red light district.

Many sex workers voiced apprehensions that relocating prostitution from the historic center, De Wallen, would lead to increased stigmatization and compromise their safety during commute. Mariska Majoor, a former sex worker and spokesperson for the opposition, argued that the proposed center's size posed significant challenges, emphasizing the need for smaller, more discreet spaces.

Critics raised concerns about the proposed center being akin to a prison, pushing sex workers to the outskirts of the city, away from public view. Some highlighted potential criminality issues, such as drug dealers targeting the location and posing risks to vulnerable individuals.

Huub Nelis, chairman of MBO College Zuid trade school, expressed worry about criminal activity attracting students, jeopardizing their safety. He emphasized the impact on education, stating that some parents might withhold approval for their children to attend the only educational institution for their chosen career due to concerns about the center's surroundings.

While some speakers favored the idea of the erotic center, citing the need for more workspaces, others criticized the project as "megalomaniac" and an inefficient use of funds. Concerns were also raised about the potential influx of misbehaving tourists, with calls for alternative solutions such as limiting the red light district's capacity, banning certain establishments, and closing low-rent hotel rooms.

Councillors, responsible for formulating new prostitution policies, will vote on the fate of the proposed erotic center in Zuid in the coming weeks. The contentious debate underscores the complexities surrounding the regulation of sex work and the balancing act between public interests and the rights of those involved in the industry. Photo by APK, Wikimedia commons.