French debates over porn and prostitution

Guardian correspondent Jon Henley surveys political debates in France over pornography and prostitution.

In his spotless if somewhat sweaty studios near République, John B Root, one of France's leading porn producers - and, under another name, a bestselling children's novelist - was full of righteous fury. "No other western country is taking this route, trying to kill off a legitimate creative industry appreciated by millions of French adults," he said. "This is a step back into the dark ages, a misguided and anti-democratic family-values campaign taken way too far."

A bill presented to the cabinet last week would create a new offence called "passive soliciting," essentially ending France's longstanding legalization of prostitution. Prostitutes' groups are planning a national demonstration on November 5 against the recent crackdown and proposed law.

Posted on Fri, Nov 1, 2002 at 10:02 AM