"The French lower house of parliament has passed a reform of prostitution law imposing fines on clients, a shift to tougher rules which has split the country and angered some sex workers.
Politicians voted 268 in favour and 138 against to give France some of the most restrictive legislation on prostitution in Europe – a radical switch away from the nation's traditionally tolerant attitude.
Those seeking to buy sex will now face a €1,500 (£1,240) fine, while the act of soliciting itself will no longer be punished."