"The ‘Swedish model’ in prostitution policy criminalises the purchase of sexual services in the belief that sex workers can be made safe only by ending demand. Countries such as Sweden, Northern Ireland and Norway have adopted this model, and mainstream media coverage often cites the approach positively. Feminist organisations such as the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW) and the European Women’s Lobby also promote this approach, as they believe sex work contributes to violence against women through male entitlement and objectification.
Sex workers, however, believe the Swedish model puts their lives at risk and undermines their human rights. Critiques of the Swedish model do appear, but it’s rare to see coverage with empirical evidence and lived experience of a real alternative. Over the last twelve years New Zealanders have quietly experienced a radically different, uniquely tolerant, and successful model that decriminalises sex work.
The New Zealand Prostitution Reform Act (PRA) fully decriminalised sex work in 2003. In New Zealand it is legal for any citizen over 18 years old to sell sexual services. Street-based sex work is legal, as is running a brothel. Sex workers’ rights are guaranteed through employment and human rights legislation."
https://www.opendemocracy.net/beyondslavery/fraser-crichton/decriminalising-sex-work-in-new-zealand-its-history-and-impact
Sex workers, however, believe the Swedish model puts their lives at risk and undermines their human rights. Critiques of the Swedish model do appear, but it’s rare to see coverage with empirical evidence and lived experience of a real alternative. Over the last twelve years New Zealanders have quietly experienced a radically different, uniquely tolerant, and successful model that decriminalises sex work.
The New Zealand Prostitution Reform Act (PRA) fully decriminalised sex work in 2003. In New Zealand it is legal for any citizen over 18 years old to sell sexual services. Street-based sex work is legal, as is running a brothel. Sex workers’ rights are guaranteed through employment and human rights legislation."
https://www.opendemocracy.net/beyondslavery/fraser-crichton/decriminalising-sex-work-in-new-zealand-its-history-and-impact