Sex workers in France are protesting a recently passed law that makes it illegal for people to pay them for sex.
In addition to the law, the French MPs imposed fines of up to €3,750 (£3,027, $4,274) for those who pay to receive sex.
Convicted persons would be required to attend classes to learn about the conditions faced by prostitutes.
It has taken more than two years to pass the controversial legislation because of differences between the two houses of parliament over the issue.
About 60 infuriated sex workers stormed the parliament in Paris, with different placards and banners bearing different messages.
One of the messages read: “Don’t liberate me, I’ll take care of myself.”
Members of the Strass sex workers’ union say it will affect the livelihoods of prostitutes, estimated to number between 30,000 and 40,000.
But supporters of the law have said it will help fight trafficking networks. It will also make it easier for foreign prostitutes to get a temporary residence permit in France if they agree to find jobs outside prostitution.
Speaking on the matter, socialist MP Maud Olivier, who sponsored the legislation, said: “The most important aspect of this law is to accompany prostitutes, give them identity papers because we know that 85% of prostitutes here are victims of trafficking.”
The law was passed in the final vote on the bill in the lower house of parliament by 64 to 12 with 11 abstentions, France’s Le Monde newspaper reports.
It supersedes one from 2003 that penalised sex workers for soliciting. Correspondents say the predominantly right-wing Senate has been opposed to the ban – and parliamentary debates have often ended in deadlock.
Those found guilty for paying for sex will have to pay a first time fine of 1,500 euros, which will more than double for a repeat offence.
