20,000 Complain to German Government over World Cup Prostitution

By Samantha Singson

     (NEW YORK — C-FAM) Petitions were delivered today to the German Government complaining of the prostitution situation connected to the Soccer World Cup underway now in Germany. 20,000 people from 144 countries signed a petition circulated by the Catholic Famliy and Human Rights Institute (C-FAM). The petition was delivered today to Klaus Scharioth, German Ambassador to the United Nations and to Gunter Pleuger, German Ambassador to the United States. The petition is also being sent to Andrea Merkel, the German Chancellor and to pro-family members of the German Parliament.

     The petition "calls upon the 32 countries participating in the World Cup Games who have ratified UN Conventions and protocols against prostitution and trafficking to oppose the promotion of prostitution" connected to the World Cup.

     Last month, C-FAM (publisher of the Friday Fax) launched a massive internet campaign to raise awareness and enlist the support of concerned people from around the globe to send a message to the German government against state-sponsored prostitution and the exploitation of women. After four weeks, C-FAM has received thousands of signatures from over 140 countries.

     The German government has come under intense criticism for the country's promotion of prostitution during the World Cup. While prostitution is legal in Germany, as many as 40,000 additional women were expected to be brought in for the event. The German government profits from prostitution through taxation.

     The German government has prepared for the expected boom in the sex trade during the World Cup by allowing the construction of brothels and temporary "sex huts". The four-story "Artemis", Germany's largest brothel, opened last year near Olympic Stadium. Also, cities hosting World Cup games have been allowed to issue special street permits for street prostitution.

     Germany has tried to downplay the issue of trafficking and forced prostitution, issuing a release to reporters stating that there was no evidence corroborating stories of thousands of trafficked women into Germany.

     Prior to the start of the World Cup, many predicted a boom in the local sex trade industry and in the demand for prostitutes. However, latest news reports from Germany state that the anticipated boost has largely failed to materialize.

     At a press conference before the start of the event, Rep. Chris Smith stated, "The sad and disturbing news is that the German government is currently facilitating prostitution and, we believe, what will be a very significant influx of trafficked women who will be exploited. They will be treated as commodities. They will be raped as a direct result of having been trafficked into Germany for the World Cup."

      The US Government complained to the German Government about the situation as has the Vatican.

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