Story highlights Prostitution clients in France now face fines and mandatory classes

Meanwhile, prostitutes will no longer be jailed or fined for public soliciting

Supporters say clients are the real criminals; opponents say the law is illogical

(CNN) Paying for sex in France is about to get a lot more expensive.

France has joined a growing number of European countries that criminalize clients of prostitutes.

The French National Assembly outlawed the hiring of prostitutes while eliminating penalties for sex workers. Paying for sex services now carries a fine of 1,500 euros ($1,700). Repeat offenders could be fined up to 3,750 euros ($4,260).

Clients will also have to enroll in workshops to learn about the plight of sex workers, according to the National Assembly 's website.

Meanwhile, sex workers will no longer be fined or jailed for public soliciting. And foreign sex workers actively trying to get out of prostitution can be given a six-month residential permit and state funding to prevent prostitution.

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