Sex workers’ union ignites debate over prostitution in Spain

Prostitution is tolerated but unregulated in Spain. There is no punishment for those who offer paid sexual services freely as long as it’s not in public spaces, with laws focused instead on combating human trafficking. 

Labor Minister Magdalena Valerio said Thursday she was shocked to find out that her department had granted approval to establish OTRAS, an organization of sexual workers, as a union.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who made global headlines by forming a Cabinet with a majority of women, tweeted Thursday that it won’t support any organization that includes any illicit activity.