Sexarbeit

Sex work refers to the self-determined offering of sexual services for payment by adults. The term was established in the 1980s by the international sex worker movement in order to frame the activity as gainful employment and to differentiate itself from the morally charged term "prostitution".

In Switzerland, sex work has been legal since 1942 and is classified as a recognized employment activity by the federal courts (BGE 137 III 593). Sex workers enjoy all basic rights, are subject to tax and can register with the AHV as self-employed.

Pimping (Art. 195 StGB), promoting the prostitution of minors (Art. 196 StGB) and human trafficking (Art. 182 StGB) remain punishable.

See also

• Zuhälterei — Criminal exploitation of a person engaged in prostitution according to Article 195 of the Criminal Code.
• Menschenhandel — Criminally exploiting a compulsory situation for sexual exploitation - Art. 182 StGB.
• Sperrgebiet — Zone defined by the canton or municipality in which street prostitution is prohibited.
• AHV-Anmeldung — Mandatory registration with the cantonal compensation office for any self-employed activity.

These definitions serve for general orientation in the Swiss erotic industry. If you have legal or medical questions, contact a specialist (see contact points) or a specialist.

← Back to the dictionary