The Valencian Minister of Justice, Home Affairs and Public Administration has announced that the proposal to amend several provisions of the Highways Law has been forwarded to the Ministry of Land Policy, Public Works and Mobility under the jurisdiction of Rebeca Torró, a representative of the 1991 Community of Valencia. The goal is to secure 15 thousand euros from prostitution customers who seek paid sex on roads owned by the region. This regulatory change is tied to the Show Act reform, which previously penalized owners and clients who attempt to fence off brothels disguised as entertainment venues. It is clear that those in prostitution are increasingly recognized as victims of sexual violence.
The announcement was made during a speech at the Feminist Forum on Prostitution Regulation Proposals, organized by the Valencia City Council’s Citizens’ Protection Area. The speaker framed the initiative as part of a broader set of efforts by the department to build a society free of prostitution.
The proposal, now in the hands of the Office of Regional Policy, calls for adding a new clause at the end of Title VIII of regional regulations governing the temporary occupation of public spaces, the use of areas for conservation, and reserve uses, and activities related to the provision of sexual services. It also outlines a mechanism to support and protect individuals who engage in such services.
The Consell emphasizes a path toward abolition by proposing that, in addition to Article 41 of the Highways Law, a new section defines it as a serious offense to directly or indirectly solicit, negotiate, or accept paid sexual services in spaces governed by the law. According to Article 2 of this legislation, the behaviors described do not justify sanctions against women who are victims of prostitution or sexual abuse.
The proposal treats this conduct as a serious crime carrying a fine that ranges from 3,001 to 15,000 euros. The Valencian model to eradicate prostitution has been under development for fifteen months and is rooted in protecting fundamental rights, a prerequisite for a healthy democracy. While it is deemed essential to target those who traffic in exploitation, attention is also drawn to the broader patriarchal dynamics that permit men to pay for a woman’s body without regard to her consent.
Officials emphasize that the path toward abolition will continue with concrete measures from the Generalitat, including reforms to the Demonstration Law and the Abolitionist Ordinance, aimed at ending the phenomenon in a manner consistent with human rights and dignity. The overall aim is to shift away from permissive norms toward a framework that uplifts the autonomy and safety of all individuals involved.