Romanian Patriarchate Condemns Proposal to Legalize Prostitution
The Romanian Patriarchate warned that legalizing prostitution would legitimize exploitation, undermine human dignity, and fail to curb trafficking or abuse.
BUCHAREST — Romania’s ruling parties have sparked controversy with a draft law to legalize and tax prostitution, framing it as a tool for public health and revenue rather than confronting deeper social harms. Backed by PNL and PSD lawmakers, the bill would authorize paid sexual services through licensed premises and registered self-employed workers, bringing dozens of millions of dollars into the tax system. Critics argue the initiative risks turning human exploitation into a budgetary line item, while evidence from countries such as Germany and the Netherlands shows legalization has failed to curb trafficking or abuse. Opponents warn the state is prioritizing fiscal gain over human dignity.
The Romanian Patriarchate has voiced strong concern over this proposed initiative to legalize prostitution, warning that such a move is incompatible with Orthodox Christian teaching and respect for human dignity. In a public statement, the Patriarchate described prostitution as a serious form of exploitation and commercialization of the human body, with harmful consequences for individuals and society. Church leaders argued that legalization would not address the social harms linked to prostitution but would instead encourage their spread and contribute to moral degradation.
The statement recalled that Romania is a signatory to the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others, which obliges states to prohibit organized prostitution. Citing Holy Scripture and Orthodox tradition, the Patriarchate stressed that the human body is a “temple of the Holy Spirit” and that sexual exploitation violates personal dignity. It concluded by pledging to speak out whenever legislation contradicts the Church’s moral teaching.
Previously, the UOJ reported that faith-based Obria was taking the place of shuttered Planned Parenthood clinics.
