Inside New Zealand's First Ethical Brothel 'The Bach'

WHANGAREI, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 19: (EDITORS NOTE: This image was altered using a digital filter) Business partner of Madame Antonia Murphy, Boss Wren who does not use the title Madame because they are Gender Non-Binary checks their phone in the communual lounge at The Bach, an ethical escort service, on October 19, 2017 in Whangarei, New Zealand. Brothel Madame Antonia Murphy founded The Bach at the start of 2017 with the aim of providing ethical escort services in the small New Zealand town of Whangerei. The Bach is built on a philosophy of protecting women's rights and emotional wellbeing while providing a safe and normal environment for what Madame Murphy believes should be considered an everyday part of life. While sex work in New Zealand has been decriminalised since 2003, The Bach is still challenging ideas around sex, prostitution and women's rights. The women who work at the Bach are all different ages and come from varied backgrounds, some with children and other jobs, some who study at use sex work as a means to pay off loans and university fees. The women say they love what they describe as the family support they receive at work, and that they are treated like they are pursuing a proper profession. Their safety is paramount, with strict rules clients must follow for the womens' protection and to make the experience safe and enjoyable. Both Madame Murphy and the women working at the Bach feel that there are many misconceptions about prostitution and sex work which is often providing a service to men with particular issues, or who are simply just lonely and seeking the company of someone who shows interest in them. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)