One Thing German Welfare Won't Fund

Like those of some other Western European countries, the German government in recent years has set off storms of protest for trying to trim the cost of its social benefits in the face of rising budget deficits. But a court's refusal to back the demands of one 35-year-old welfare recipient is unlikely to generate much sympathy. A court in the town of Ansbach today rejected the unidentified man's claim that the government should pay for four brothel visits a month to ensure his "health and bodily well-being" while his wife is abroad. The man had sought about $3,050 a month to fund the brothel activities, along with eight pornographic videos and transport costs to and from a video store. He first sued the state after authorities refused to pay for his Thai wife to fly back to Germany, the Associated Press reported. In rejecting the claim, the court said social security benefits already cover "everyday requirements," but that the man could appeal, and at taxpayer expense.

From the WSJ.com Afternoon Report (3/5/04)