Scotland: Bishops calls for action on exploitation with support for new Prostitution Bill

Bishop John Keenan, with Ash Regan MSP and Bishop Brian McGee

Source: SCMO

The Bishops' Conference of Scotland has written to the First Minister of Scotland to express the Church's support for the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill, currently before the Scottish Parliament.

In the letter, the Bishops' Conference describes the Bill, tabled by independent MSP, Ash Regan, as "a vital step toward protecting some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society and addressing the systemic harms associated with prostitution in Scotland."

The Bill's central purpose-to reduce prostitution and tackle exploitation, coercion, and harm-is described as both compelling and necessary.

It proposes a new offence for the purchase of sexual acts, while repealing outdated laws that historically penalised those who were themselves victims. The Bill would also quash previous convictions under section 46 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, removing what Bishop Keenan calls a "significant barrier" to rebuilding lives.

The Bishops' Conference supports the Bill's adoption of a "challenging demand" model, shifting criminal responsibility away from individuals exploited through prostitution-overwhelmingly women and girls-and onto the buyers who fuel the commercial sex market. This model reflects international best practice and aligns with Scotland's wider commitments to tackling violence against women and girls.

The letter highlights the deep vulnerabilities that underpin involvement in prostitution. Many affected individuals have experienced childhood abuse, care experience, grooming, and trauma, with young people-particularly those leaving care-at high risk of exploitation. Technology has intensified these risks, expanding opportunities for manipulation.

The Bishops' Conference also emphasises the Bill's relevance to combatting human trafficking for sexual exploitation, a significant and documented issue in Scotland. International evidence links reductions in trafficking to demand-reduction legislation. Bishop Brian McGee, Vice-President of the Bishops' Conference, has contributed insight from his work with the Santa Marta Group, an international alliance dedicated to ending human trafficking. He believes the Bill reflects "the realities identified by trafficked people, law enforcement, and Church agencies around the world."

A key component of the proposed legislation is the creation of a statutory right to support for anyone currently or previously involved in prostitution. This includes access to accommodation, financial aid, healthcare, and counselling-supports deemed essential for enabling safe and sustainable exits from prostitution.

Acknowledging differing political opinions and expecting Parliament to provide considerable scrutiny from which the Bill can benefit, the letter urges the Scottish Government to show leadership by backing the Bill, underscoring its potential to protect vulnerable women and girls, prevent trafficking, and advance equality.

LINK

Letter to First Minister from Bishop John Keenan on Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_r_vhBbAcD0wR65WTA7eL1lsDELw4uAp/view?usp=sharing