The Georgian Times, Georgia:

“As for me, I think it is better to pay to the government than somebody else. I would be the first prostitute to pay taxes”
— A sex worker, Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi, 18 July, 2006 – According to specialists, there is an increasing number of ‘street-workers’ in Tbilisi. Research indicates that most of these people do the work due to poor economic conditions. Prostitution is neither legal in Georgia, nor is it banned…‘When I worked at Moscow Avenue at a private hotel, one official from the hotel beat me unmercifully… Then I worked at one of the saunas. ‘Ministry Day’ was announced, and that meant we had to work for them free. If it were legalized the rooms would be divided, there would be a special building, and prostitutes would be protected by doctors, solicitors and guards. The government must stamp out secret operations and prohibit minors. When I grow old I would like to work in such an organization as a regular inspector. As for me, I think it better to pay to the government than somebody else. I would be the first prostitute to pay taxes’.