Amsterdam's proposed multi-storey erotic center has sparked controversy, with critics likening it to an "erotic prison" reminiscent of historical exploitation. At a recent meeting, over 40 speakers expressed opposition to the project, raising concerns about its impact on sex workers and the community.
While Mayor Femke Halsema sees the center as a solution to provide safer working conditions, reduce criminality, and alleviate nuisance in the red light district, many sex workers fear further stigmatization and safety risks if pushed out of the historic center.
Mariska Majoor, a former sex worker, voiced concerns about the center's size and location, emphasizing the need for smaller-scale, safer workspaces. Others echoed her sentiments, protesting against what they see as segregation and likening the center to a prison.
Huub Nelis, representing a trade school in the area, highlighted concerns about increased criminal activity and its impact on students' safety. Critics labeled the project as excessive and wasteful, questioning its effectiveness and allocation of resources.
Despite opposition, some voiced support for the center, citing the need for more workspaces and acknowledging the existing prevalence of sex work in the city. However, alternatives such as spreading out the red light district were proposed as more viable solutions to address nuisance and maintain Amsterdam's cultural identity.
Ultimately, the debate over the erotic center underscores deeper issues of urban planning, social stigma, and the rights of sex workers in Amsterdam's vibrant but contested landscape.