Rede Sobre Trabalho Sexual – RTS – (The Network on Sex Work) was created in 2011 and brings together most of the portuguese organizations that intervene with the phenomenon of sex work (female, male and transgender, as well clients third parties), as well as academics / researchers and sex workers.
RTS integrates and admits in its composition sex workers, all entities, projects or individuals who work directly with sex workers and who identify with their objectives and principles.
In Portugal, the commercial sex is decriminalized but procuring is still interdicted under article 169 of the Penal Code. This penal statute addresses individuals who promote or organize sex work, such as owners or tenants of spaces where said services are supplied. This framework leads to a legal void that has been preventing the acknowledgment and legalization of these practices by the Portuguese judicial order. Hence, sex workers do not have access to dignified work conditions, safety and healthcare measures and labor protection.
RTS principles and positions are based on the commitment to defend Human Rights of sex workers, in particular regarding their involvement in the decisions that most directly affect them, as well as regarding to access to health, dignity of living and working conditions, non-discrimination and protection of migrants.