Source: Reuters
By: Company Press Release
(STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN) — Europe’s far north protested on Wednesday at what it said were shocking Greek plans to license more brothels in time for the 2004 Olympics.
Sweden and six neighbors wrote to Athens to express their outrage, brushing aside the hosting city’s denial that it was catering to an expected rise in sex tourism.
“It is with indignation and surprise that we have learned that Greece plans to increase brothel activities during the Olympics in Athens 2004,” their letter read.
“This will lead to more women being exploited and abused.”
They said this was incompatible with Olympic ideals.
The powerful Greek Orthodox Church sparked the row earlier this month, accusing Athenian authorities of planning to license extra brothels to meet increased demand during the Olympics.
The church later withdrew its criticism after Athens mayor Dora Bakoyiannis denied the charges, saying she was fighting for women’s rights and only trying to force illegal brothels to apply for the licenses needed to regulate their business.
