Regulating prostitution would not work in practice because women in the industry do not “think of themselves as prostitutes”, according to experts working in the field.

Public health consultant Anna Vella and St Jeanne Antide Foundation head Nora Macelli, who teamed up last year to offer support to sex workers, believe calls to regulate the trade did not reflect the way prostitutes felt about the industry.

“I have spoken to countless street prostitutes about this possibility and they all tell me they would not want this. ‘No way!’ they say. They do not consider themselves prostitutes and do not think of this as their job,” Dr Vella said.

She was reacting to calls for a review of the legal and social policy framework on prostitution.

A Justice Ministry spokeswoman said a document drafted by the law students’ association which, among other things, calls for prostitution to be regulated, was currently being reviewed internally.

Meanwhile, Civil Liberties Minister Helena Dalli said the government was looking at different models applied abroad to see the best way to tackle the situation.

“Our main concern is the wellbeing of the persons involved in the sex industry, ensuring their safety and that they are not exploited by pimps or clients alike,” the minister said.

In Malta, prostitution is not considered a criminal offence but soliciting, living off immoral earnings, organising prostitution or forcing anyone into prostitution is.

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