Il matrimonio delle prostitute nel diritto canonico del basso Medioevo (secoli XII-XV)

Abstract

The Church has always firmly condemned female prostitution. However, from the earliest centuries of Christianity, an ambiguous attitude emerged, characterized by a pragmatic acceptance based on the argument that prostitution was a «lesser evil» for society. One of the debated issues concerned the possibility of marrying a prostitute. During the first millennium, there was a clear prohibition on this matter, but from the 11th century onwards, a more open stance emerged, culminating in the explicit recognition of the legitimacy of such unions, provided that certain moral requirements and purposes were respected.