Sex Workers Receive Unique Business Code from Istat

Rome: Sex workers and escorts have been assigned their own ATECO business code by the national statistics agency, Istat, to classify activities related to sexual services.

According to Ansa News Agency, the ATECO code serves as a classification system used to uniquely identify the economic activities of companies and freelancers. This development marks a significant step in formally recognizing sex work as a distinct economic activity.

Green-Left Alliance (AVS) House Whip Luana Zanella commented on the situation, stating, “The Italian right is all about God, country and family but if it has to cash in it even legitimises prostitution.” Her remarks highlight the political tensions surrounding the issue, emphasizing the perceived contradiction in the conservative approach to the matter.

Zanella further referenced late Socialist Senator Tina Merlin, whose law led to the closure of brothels in 1958, suggesting that Merlin would be “turning in her grave” over the new development. This historical perspective underscores the ongoing debate about the role and recognition of sex work in Italian society.

Istat made it clear that the new ATECO code does not extend to pimping or other forms of exploitation of prostitution, aiming to differentiate between consensual sex work and exploitative practices.