Czech govt backs plan to make sex trade legal

A government spokesman said the next move was approval by parliament, although no timeframe had been set, to make prostitution subject to the control of doctors and the taxman. "The assumption is that it is unrealistic to effectively ban prostitution," the ministry proposal said. "It is only possible... to set rules so the public does not perceive prostitution as a serious public order problem or health risk." The plan calls for prostitutes to buy licences, undergo monthly health checks, pay taxes and health insurance. It would slap fines on those who do not comply. At present, prostitutes work in a legal grey area, which makes it tough for the state to control disease, the sex slave trade and underage prostitution.