Prostitution in the Netherlands is legal and regulated. Operating a brothel is also legal. De Wallen , the largest and best-known Red-light district in Amsterdam , is a destination for international sex tourism. During the Middle Ages , prostitution was tolerated. Many cities tolerated prostitution to protect non-prostitute female citizens from rape and defilement.
There were, however, a number of conditions imposed on prostitutes and their clients. Prostitutes were not allowed to be married. Still, prostitution was considered a dishonorable profession. Prostitutes were not expected to conform to sexual rules , and were not protected by the law. The concept of "honor" was very important in early modern Dutch society. Honor had social significance, but it also had legal ramifications. Until the late sixteenth century honor, aside from citizenship, was the most important criterion for the stratification of society.
Despite the fact that prostitution was seen as indispensable, city governments tried to separate "dishonorable" prostitution from the honorable world. Later, city governments tried to reserve certain areas of the city for prostitution.
Prostitution businesses were driven to the streets and alleys near the city walls. During the sixteenth century, attitudes about sexuality changed under the influence of the Spanish occupation and rising Protestantism.
Sexual activities were only tolerated within marriage. Church and state were not separated, and what was defined by the church as a sin was defined as a crime by the government. Prostitution and procurement were viewed as a sin and therefore prohibited. However, during this century the city of Amsterdam started to regulate prostitution. Only the police and the bailiff and his servants could keep a brothel in the Pijl and Halsteeg currently the Damstraat. Prostitutes who practiced their trade in other parts of the city were arrested and their clients fined.
