The Congress of Deputies approved the start of the anti-prostitution legislative process, introduced by the PSOE, to amend the Penal Code and to sanction individuals who pay for sex and the operation of brothels. The bill begins its parliamentary journey with an affirmative vote from the PP, signaling a stance that aligns with socialist positions and is expected to push for autonomous derivative rules, including in the Valencian Community. The PSPV led by Ximo Puig previously proposed inviting Pedro Sánchez to begin the abolition path and now advances a regional strategy by presenting a decree across assemblies. It advocates for adoption of a model developed within the Valencia Forum for the Elimination of Prostitution. Alicante City Council is set to discuss the initiative early, although it may clash with other existing regulations such as the Civil Coexistence Ordinance, which stipulates penalties for certain actions related to prostitution.
The renewed debate over how prostitution should be handled within the state capital cannot be overlooked. This is especially true since Alicante hosts the largest PP-majority city council in the Valencian Community and is part of a government team led by regional leader Carlos Mazón and councilor Luis Barcala. Socialists are urging the PP to back the Ministry of Justice decree led by Gabriela Bravo as part of a broader strategy. The question for residents remains simple and direct: should people who seek prostitution be penalized? PSPV notes that combining the local decree with national measures could create contradictions and incompatibilities.
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The current city regulation under Barcala’s leadership imposes fines ranging from 100 to 750 euros for women engaging in prostitution, while clients pay 750.01 to 1,500 euros for services. In contrast, the socialist-backed framework proposes fines of up to 3,000 euros for those who seek prostitution, bans advertising related to prostitution, and explicitly recognizes women as victims of gender-based violence. Prostitutes themselves would not face penalties under this approach. In other words, the path already visible in the Lower House aligns with the stance supported by the PP.
During the debate, Ana Domínguez, PSPV-PSOE spokesperson and deputy secretary for Equality, urged the regional PP to join their colleagues in Congress and back socialist proposals to end slavery in the 21st century. She challenged the popular side to decide whether Alicante should remain a problematic example or embrace the anti-slavery regulation proposed at city and regional levels. The call was clear and pointed.
Socialist leaders stressed that while the national-level move to start processing the PSOE bill and end prostitution is welcomed, the current Alicante ordinance remains in force and carries a punitive approach. The Equality Chair of the party insisted that ending prostitution is a basic human rights issue and a viable path for a more just society.
National supporters welcomed the PP’s alignment with abolitionist views and urged a reconsideration by Carlos Mazón to revoke the existing shame ordinance in Alicante.
Municipal sources from the PP group in Alicante indicated two points. First, the party has not yet committed to the socialist bill as it advances through processing, though it supported initiating the process. They stressed that a final position would depend on the text’s content and the overall outcome once the amendment period closes. They also noted that the anti-slavery proposal from the Minister of Justice had not yet been received for evaluation.
Services and resources to start a new life
The ratification of the controversial Alicante Civil Coexistence Ordinance drew criticism from about twenty associations, including Cáritas, which argued that the measure stigmatized the most vulnerable and lacked targeted social support. Socialists advocate moving toward abolition and call for a comprehensive municipal action plan to ensure women in prostitution can access services and resources that help them exit the trade. The broader aim is to provide real pathways and supports that empower women to choose safer futures and reduce exploitation within the community.