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Prostitution in East Germany
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Prostitution in East Germany
Although prostitution in East Germany was outlawed in 1968, it was partially tolerated thereafter.
The State Security Service (Stasi) used prostitutes (Mielke's Maidens) for gaining information.
A quotation from Uta Falck summarises prostitution in the GDR as follows: "In the GDR, all parties benefited from prostitution: the rich women, the satisfied suitors, the informed state. So much satisfaction it will hardly ever be more in this industry."
After the Second World War, prostitution served primarily to secure a livelihood. Street prostitutes were far less likely to suffer violence than in other countries, partly because pimps were not part of the system. The main focus of the state during this period was the containment of infectious diseases. The incidence of STDs was 1%. Sick prostitutes were usually assigned to care homes and closed hospital departments to treat the disease and try and change their lifestyle. Forced examinations of (mainly female) guests of entertainment venues as well as employees of the state health authorities and the police were carried out to stem the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
From the mid-1950s, prostitution was seen as incompatible with the socialist image of women. An attempt was made to persuade prostitutes to take up a regular job through intimidation or instruction in "homes for social care". This led to many part-time prostitutes. After the Berlin wall was built in 1961, the authorities thought that total isolation from the West would cause prostitution to disappear. This wasn't the case and in 1968, prostitution was outlawed and thus street prostitution largely disappeared.
Although prostitution was banned, it was tolerated, especially in hotels used by visiting foreigners, particularly in Leipzig (Leipzig Trade Fair) and Rostock (Rostock harbor). Starting in the late 1960s, prostitutes were used by the Ministry of State Security to collect information.
After German reunification prostitution became legal. Prostitutes moved freely around the unified Germany.
Until 1968, under § 361 para. 6 of the Criminal Code, prostitution was prohibited near churches, schools and child and youth facilities. In addition, the deliberate spread of sexually transmitted diseases was punishable by imprisonment of up to three years. The operation of brothels was prohibited (§ 180 and 181 of the Criminal Code).
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Prostitution in East Germany
Although prostitution in East Germany was outlawed in 1968, it was partially tolerated thereafter.
The State Security Service (Stasi) used prostitutes (Mielke's Maidens) for gaining information.
A quotation from Uta Falck summarises prostitution in the GDR as follows: "In the GDR, all parties benefited from prostitution: the rich women, the satisfied suitors, the informed state. So much satisfaction it will hardly ever be more in this industry."
After the Second World War, prostitution served primarily to secure a livelihood. Street prostitutes were far less likely to suffer violence than in other countries, partly because pimps were not part of the system. The main focus of the state during this period was the containment of infectious diseases. The incidence of STDs was 1%. Sick prostitutes were usually assigned to care homes and closed hospital departments to treat the disease and try and change their lifestyle. Forced examinations of (mainly female) guests of entertainment venues as well as employees of the state health authorities and the police were carried out to stem the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
From the mid-1950s, prostitution was seen as incompatible with the socialist image of women. An attempt was made to persuade prostitutes to take up a regular job through intimidation or instruction in "homes for social care". This led to many part-time prostitutes. After the Berlin wall was built in 1961, the authorities thought that total isolation from the West would cause prostitution to disappear. This wasn't the case and in 1968, prostitution was outlawed and thus street prostitution largely disappeared.
Although prostitution was banned, it was tolerated, especially in hotels used by visiting foreigners, particularly in Leipzig (Leipzig Trade Fair) and Rostock (Rostock harbor). Starting in the late 1960s, prostitutes were used by the Ministry of State Security to collect information.
After German reunification prostitution became legal. Prostitutes moved freely around the unified Germany.
Until 1968, under § 361 para. 6 of the Criminal Code, prostitution was prohibited near churches, schools and child and youth facilities. In addition, the deliberate spread of sexually transmitted diseases was punishable by imprisonment of up to three years. The operation of brothels was prohibited (§ 180 and 181 of the Criminal Code).