The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled on July 25 that France's 2016 law penalizing clients of sex workers does not violate the European Convention on Human Rights.

This decision came after 261 sex workers challenged the law, arguing it endangered their health and safety by pushing them into clandestinity.

The law, which replaced the offense of solicitation with penalties for clients, has been praised by abolitionist groups but criticized by sex workers and their advocates for increasing risks of violence and health issues.

The ECHR acknowledged the difficulties faced by sex workers but stated that these issues existed before the law was enacted.

The court concluded that France had balanced competing interests appropriately and did not violate the right to private life as outlined in Article 8 of the Convention.