We are pleased to hear that the Scottish Government have rejected the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1. This Bill proposed introducing client criminalisation laws in Scotland, and while there were some positive clauses around repealing laws around loitering and soliciting, the main content of the Bill was highly concerning. Basis submitted evidence to the committee regarding the potential harm that the proposed laws would cause to sex workers, and are therefore relieved to hear that the Bill will not be progressing further.
Our evidence submission covered how client criminalisation laws increase levels of harm and violence towards sex workers, perpetuate stigma and barriers to support, harm sex workers’ relationship with police, have little impact on client numbers, do not make it easier for people to stop selling sex, and that the proposal was not desired by either sex workers or the Scottish public.
We are less reassured to see statements from both the Lead Committee for the Bill and the Community Safety Minister that they still intend to explore paths towards client criminalisation in the future through an independent commission. If the commission is to truly explore all legislative options, this should clearly explore full decriminalisation and place the voices and experiences of people who sell sex at its heart. There is an assumption underpinning much of the communication that it is impossible to sell sex without being exposed to violence, and the role of law and policy in creating the environments which allow violence against sex workers to exist and to flourish must be thoroughly considered.
We would like to express our solidarity and support for the sex worker-led organisations who have participated in the consultation process and led campaigns against the Bill. In particular, we recognise Scotland For Decrim, who have led these efforts with integrity, strength and commitment, and the many non sex-work specific organisations who have stood with them for their allyship. We commit to continue sharing our experience, knowledge and expertise to support sex workers across the UK.