Senate passes phased repeal of ban on physical-contact sexual services
Press release of 04.08.2020
From the Senate meeting on 4 August 2020:

The Senate today adopted a step-by-step model to lift the ban on physical contact sexual services on the proposal of The Senator for Health, Care and Gender Equality Dilek Kalayci.

Due to the Corona pandemic, different strategies for dealing with prostitution exist nationwide. In Berlin, sexual services with physical contact are currently prohibited in accordance with Section 7 paragraph 4 of the SARS-CoV-2 Infection Protection Ordinance, as well as the prostitution trade closed. In some areas of close-up services, such as hairdressing, tattoo studios, massage parlour, etc., there are already first relaxations taking into account strict hygiene regulations.

In view of the often very precarious situation of the people working in sex work, it seems necessary from a health point of view, but also from a women's point of view, to consider easing measures in this area too, which will enable legal work to be carried out. Otherwise, there is a risk that the persons concerned will become dependent due to economic emergencies and will operate in secret under conditions that are harmful to health.

For this reason, the Berlin Senate has adopted a step-by-step model on how the easing measures in the erotic industry could be designed. From 8 August 2020, sexual services without sexual intercourse will initially be allowed again. From 1 September, sexual services with sexual intercourse will also be permitted under strict conditions.