The French lower house of parliament has passed a reform of a prostitution law imposing fines on clients.

Lawmakers voted 268 in favour and 138 against - giving France some of the most restrictive legislation on prostitution in Europe.

Around 100 sex workers gathered outside the French parliament, furious by the ruling.

Those seeking to buy sex will face a €1,500 fine, while the act of soliciting itself will no longer be punished.

Some prostitutes plan to leave France for a less restrictive European country.

The reform is a radical switch away from the country's traditionally tolerant attitude.

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