Germany Refuses to Foot Bill for Brothel Visits

The German welfare state has often been accused of being a push-over in the past, but it draws the line at state-funded brothel visits for lonely men without means. A Bavarian court has rejected a German man's demand for weekly brothel visits, which he said were necessary to satisfy his sexual appetite while his foreign wife was abroad. The unemployed 35-year old welfare recipient applied for €2,500 ($3,050) to fund the brothel trips, as well as the purchase of pornographic material. He blamed the state for his separation from his Thai wife, and filed the lawsuit after authorities refused to pay for her to fly back to Germany. The court in the town of Ansbach threw out the case, arguing that his monthly social benefits of at least €287 already cover "everyday requirements." The man, who has not been identified, has said he will appeal the decision -- at the taxpayers' expense.