Antwerp(Brussels Morning Newspaper)– Antwerp’s new public indecency rules, introduced in September 2024, have been criticized by parties like Groen and the League for Human Rights for being vague.
In September 2024, Antwerp introduced new rules to tackle public indecency, which provoked a lot of debate. The rules defined indecent acts as any visible offensive or suggestive sexual behavior, including nude sunbathing and female sex workers being bare-chested. Opposition parties like Groen and PVDA criticized the rules for being unclear and too vague, saying they could lead to unfair treatment of certain people based on personal opinions. The League for Human Rights also raised concerns and filed a complaint.
What are the effects of Antwerp’s new public indecency rules?
The ongoing debate in Antwerp highlights the clash between city officials wanting to maintain public decency and advocates for personal freedoms. Critics argue that terms like “offensive” are too vague, which could lead to inconsistent enforcement of the rules. The League for Human Rights has stressed the need for clear guidelines to prevent misuse and ensure fairness. Supporters of the new regulations believe they are essential for keeping order in public spaces. As of January 2025, the issue remains unresolved, with the League’s complaint still under review, making it a central topic in discussions about balancing public morality and individual rights in the city.
The League for Human Rights believes that banning certain behaviors is part of keeping moral order, and they argue that the city shouldn’t have control over this. They also worry that what one person finds offensive might not be the same for someone else. The governor of Antwerp has said that people’s feelings about right and wrong shouldn’t lead to police actions or fines. However, the city can still appeal this decision. Johan Vermant, spokesperson for Mayor De Wever, mentioned that they are looking into the decision to find a solution that addresses these concerns, especially to protect vulnerable sex workers in the Schipperskwartier area.
