MSPs urged to reject ‘dangerous’ anti-sex worker bill
Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman has urged MSPs from across the chamber to reject Ash Regan’s dangerous Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill.
If it passes, the bill would introduce a ‘Nordic model’ for sex work by criminalising clients paying for sex in Scotland. It is an approach that has been condemned by sex worker groups, human rights organisations and the World Health Organisation.
Maggie said:
“If our parliament supports this bill it will be putting sex workers at greater risk of violence and poverty.
“The kind of model that Ash Regan is proposing has been tried many times before, and it has failed. That is why it has been condemned and opposed by the World Health Organisation and human rights campaign groups and, most importantly, by sex workers themselves.
“Her bill would only create more exploitation by driving the industry even further underground. It wouldn’t do anything to stop trafficking or coercion and would only make sex workers themselves more insecure.
“It is clear that this is an exceptionally flawed bill. I urge all MSPs to listen to the evidence rather than the headlines and to oppose steps that will only put sex workers in danger.”
Maggie added:
“Our approach must be aimed at minimising the harm and danger that sex workers face every day.
"That can only happen through decriminalisation and expanding the rights of sex workers to ensure they can work without the threat of criminal sanction.”