Prostitution in Malta

A street in Gzira known for prostitution

Prostitution in Malta is itself legal, but certain activities connected with it, such as running a brothel and loitering, are not.[1][2] Certain offences are punishable by sentences of up to two years in prison.[3] In March 2008, police and the Malta Ministry for Social Policy signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize a screening process for all arrested persons engaged in prostitution to determine whether they were victims of trafficking or other abuses.[3] The law provides punishments of up to 6 years for involving minors in prostitution.[4]

A narrow street with signs advertising "Roy Bar" and Cisk Lager.
"The Gut" in 1967.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat promised to discuss legalising prostitution in the buildup to the 2017 general election.[5] Valletta’s Strait Street (Maltese: Triq id-Dejqa), known locally as the 'Gut', was the centre of prostitution from the 1830s to the 1970s.[6] The Mello area of Gżira is known as a red-light district.[7]

  1. ^ Attard, Eddie (16 March 2014). "Past laws regulating the oldest profession in Malta". Times of Malta. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
  2. ^ "Sex Work Law - Countries". Sexuality, Poverty and Law. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
  3. ^ a b "2008 Human Rights Reports: Malta". State.gov. 2009-02-25. Archived from the original on 2009-02-26. Retrieved 2010-03-31.
  4. ^ "Sexual Offences Laws - Malta". interpol.int. Archived from the original on 27 September 2001. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
  5. ^ "Prostitution in Malta". Malteasing.com. 8 May 2017. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
  6. ^ "Sex, Lies, and Cobblestones: The Debaucherous Story Behind Malta's Most Notorious Street". Fodors Travel Guide. 18 January 2018. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
  7. ^ "Woman imprisoned for loitering at place known for prostitution in Gżira - TVM News". TVM English. 1 July 2017. Retrieved 24 February 2018.