Gabriela Bravo, Minister of Justice, Interior and Public Administration, urged municipalities to adopt the Municipal Slavery Regulation model prepared within the project framework. The Valencia Forum for the Abolition of Prostitution, which aims to protect women, supports fines of up to 3,000 euros for those who seek paid sex, for intermediaries, and for the places where it occurs, all framed as responses to gender violence.
The councilor presented a proposed by-law in Mislata this Thursday, alongside mayor Carlos Fernández Bielsa and Rubén Alfaro, president of the Federation of Municipalities and Provinces of Valencia, as well as twenty mayors from across the Valencian Community.
During Bravo’s remarks, local authorities highlighted that the Forum’s scientific studies indicate a prevalence of prostitution cases, underscoring that the demand drives the supply. It was noted that about one in five Valencian men over 18 have, at some point, paid for sex, illustrating the scale of the issue (Forum data) – a finding intended to justify the regulatory approach.
In the section titled Prohibition of Demand, the anti-slavery regulation model offered to all municipalities in the Community of Valencia prohibits prostitution demand as a serious crime and lists fines of up to 1,500 euros.
Moreover, if an activity occurs within 200 meters of a training center where children gather or near venues hosting festivals or sporting events, the act becomes a more serious offense with fines up to 3,000 euros. Those who act as intermediaries or pimps, or who warn about law enforcement presence, may also be penalized.
The measure also bans advertisements that promote prostitution, treating such promotion as a minor offense with fines of up to 750 euros. Both the advertiser and the person funding the campaign can be held accountable.
Crucially, the model recognizes women who engage in prostitution as victims of gender-based violence, meaning they will not be punished. Instead, they will have access to support programs designed to help them exit prostitution, including social, labor, educational, and housing services.
The plan calls for comprehensive municipal action to ensure that women in prostitution have pathways to services and resources that enable them to leave the trade. Bravo described the effort as an integrated approach that includes social and economic supports to foster independence and safety.
According to Bravo, Valencia is the first autonomous community to introduce a municipal anti-slavery regulation model, setting a benchmark for others committed to gender equality and the elimination of all forms of gender violence, including the exploitation involved in the sex trade.
The councilor announced ongoing efforts to push for a Comprehensive Law on the Abolition of Prostitution at the national level in Spain. He also noted that amendments to the Demonstrations Act in the Valencian Community are already in public hearing, signaling continued action from the regional government.
The rule outlines sanctions for organizations that enable or promote prostitution, bans advertisements that promote or encourage sexual exploitation, and imposes administrative penalties for solicitation of prostitution in public spaces and workplaces. [Source: Valencia Forum for the Abolition of Prostitution] (Evidence and statements reported by local authorities and Forum researchers.)