More than 3,000 people have signed a public petition that today was presented to parliament, arguing that "prostitution is not work."
The petitions agree that prostitution is, "a form of exploitation that subverts the social status and rights of all women," and that, "prostitution is a form of violence against prostituted persons, particularly against women and children."
"The Democratic Movement for Women, the 'O Ninho' Association and the Portuguese Platform for Women's Rights launched the petition following the announcement and confirmation that Lisbon City Council is promoting the creation of a 'local platform for intervention in the area of sex work.'
The petition demands that the Municipal Assembly of Lisbon, should "not accept the institutionalisation of this form of violence, especially against women, reject the creation of such a platform, propose as an alternative to the creation of a municipal intervention platform in the area of prostitution and other forms of sexual exploitation and combating trafficking in persons and decide to eliminate the use of the term 'sex work' by municipal bodies, municipal services and companies."
The petition also calls for the promotion and implementation of policies that support and protect victims, by investing in exit programs, social reintegration, access to housing, education and vocational training , health and social protection."
