Kapronczay Károly szerk.: Orvostörténeti Közlemények 202-205. (Budapest, 2008)

TANULMÁNYOK — ARTICLES - FORRAI, Judit: History of the politics of prostitution in Hungary (19-20th c.). - A 19-20. századi magyar prostitúciópolitika története

Changes in Categories of Prostitution In accordance to the rules of the early Dual Habsburg - Monarchy the in-brothel activity was the only authorized form of prostitution. At the turn of the century, people's expectations had changed and society wanted variety in sexual services. In addition to in-brothel prostitutes, further categories appeared such as: private or secret courtisans, prostitutes with licenses or certificates, and each category had different rights and duties. After 1920 the number of out of brothel courtesans exceeded that of registered prostitutes. Location of the Activity At the start the brothel-houses were the well separated and easily controllable sites of sexual activity. The location of private prostitutes varied, but was connected to the entertainment places, and depended on profitablility. The Decree of 1926 ordered brothels to be closed, and from that time onwards rendezvous were arranged in private flats which could be hired by the hour. Sexual activity of this kind changed the character of intimacy, which became impersonal and industrial-like. . Administrative control Supervision of prostitutes was within the police chief commissioner's jurisdiction. Institutionalisation of the medical examination resulted in a significant centralization of services. At the turn of the century both secret prostitutes and the promiscuity and free sexual life favourized a rise in the number of people. This attitude resulted in most of the population being contaminated by V.D. Police regulations changed for public health reasons, thus criminalization turned to medicalization. The Medical Examination Early on prostitutes were visited by the civil doctor at the location of the brothel. At the turn of the century, according to municipial regulation, examination was moved to the vicesquad premises, which were newly opened, hygienic and well equipped. Identification of V.D. For three centuries syphilis was the only known venereal disease. In the last third of the 19

th century, owing to research and development in the medical sciences, the diagnosis of V.D. got differentiated: three and later four types of pathogen were isolated and identified. At the turn of the century syphilis and gonorrhoea infection of the population became endemic, with seven per cent of the population suffering some morbidity. The Authorization of prostitution Work permission for prostitutes was given out at the police headquarters and later at the vice-squad. Here missionaries of a civil organisation, Society Against White Slavery, tried to persuade and stop applicants from becoming registered prostitutes, and instead offered women some simple work at the „Magdolna Home". Financing of Medical Examinations In the past in-brothel prostitutes had to pay for the medical visit two-times each week. Later the examination was free since the doctor's fee was paid by the authorities. Hospital