Statement from A Model For Scotland on the ‘Unbuyable Bill’ vote

The outcome of this week’s vote on Ash Regan MSP’s Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill was deeply disappointing. However, the narrow vote margin and the cross-party consensus established on the need to shift the burden of criminality off victims of sexual exploitation and on to sex buyers means the Scottish public can rightfully expect the next incoming Government to immediately start work on reforming Scotland’s unjust and outdated prostitution laws.

A Model For Scotland, a survivor led alliance of frontline services and organisations advocating for victims of sexual exploitation, strongly welcomes the recognition by the Scottish Government, Police Scotland, and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service that to combat the violence of prostitution, Scotland must outlaw paying for sex and decriminalise victims.

The current Scottish Government has proposed the establishment of a commission on prostitution law reform. We are deeply concerned that this is yet another initiative to kick the can down the road, delaying yet further the introduction of reforms that would safeguard some of society’s most vulnerable women and girls. A substantial international evidence base already exists on the necessity of decriminalising and supporting victims, while criminalising paying for sex, in order to prevent this form of violence against women.

Substantial evidence was also obtained through consultation for the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill.

Indeed, survivors have contributed invaluable expertise over many years through multiple consultations, research, and working groups on prostitution in Scotland. It is essential to recognise the profound burden these initiatives can place on survivors, who engage in good faith that parliamentarians will act according to need and evidence. Their voices, combined with the existing research, already provide a clear foundation for legal reform. A commission must not delay the progressive change that is so urgently needed. Any new Government commission or taskforce on prostitution must be formally linked to a timetabled Government bill to outlaw paying for sex and decriminalise and support victims.

Today, women involved in the sex trade in Scotland continue to be harmed immeasurably by men who pay for sex with impunity. Change cannot come soon enough. As we approach the next election, we call on party leaders to meet with A Model For Scotland - and to commit to taking forward this legal reform as a matter of priority in the next parliament. In the meantime, providing support for individuals exiting prostitution does not require new legislation. Funding for these services must be increased now, as the need is as significant as ever.