After the entry of amendments into force the law will  punish even those who buy services from a sex worker, who is a victim of pimping and human trafficking, unintentionally, out of ignorance or negligence.

After the entry of amendments into force the law will  punish even those who buy services from a sex worker, who is a victim of pimping and human trafficking, unintentionally, out of ignorance or negligence.

The sex buyng can result for a client in an imprisonment for up to half a year. The President of Finland approved the amendment on April 10. Previously only those buyers were accused, who were aware of the fact that they were using the services of victims of trafficking and pimping.

The Ministry of Justice hopes that the amendments may help to reduce the offer of sex services from victims of trafficking and pimping. Perhaps, the possible decrease in demand will also be able to reduce the attractiveness of Finland as a destination for human trafficking and for foreign prostitutes to come to work, and to encourage those active in prostitution to exit the industry.

At the same time, the amendments to the law also worsen working conditions of sex workers, who are forced to be less selective in choosing clients. Also, trafficked sex workers can no longer count on the support of customers, as the latter may be punished if they go to the police.

On the other hand, according to the Ministry of Justice, the application of the law is difficult, reports Helsingin Sanomat.

Currently buying and selling sex services in Finland is legal if a sex worker is not a victim of trafficking or pimping, and if the soliciting is not implemented in public places.