The Criminal Justice Committee is seeking views on a proposal by Ash Regan MSP for a new law about prostitution in Scotland.
Those views will inform the Committee’s scrutiny.
About this call for views
The proposed new law is the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill.
In summary, the Bill would create a new offence of paying for sexual acts. This would be an offence aimed at those who seek to buy sexual services.
The Bill would also repeal the existing offence under section 46 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 of loitering, soliciting or importuning in a public place for the purposes of prostitution. This is an offence which has been used to prosecute those selling their sexual services. People who have been convicted of this offence in the past would have their convictions quashed.
Additionally, Scottish Ministers will need to ensure that a person who is, or has been, in prostitution is provided with help and support. That may include accommodation, financial assistance, healthcare or legal advice and representation.
Who we would like to hear from
We welcome responses from a wide range of individuals and organisations with views on the Bill.
How to contribute
Please answer the call for views by completing the submission form below.
Please note that you are not required to answer every question. Please feel free to only answer the questions on which you have a view.
Source: Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill – Scottish Parliament – Citizen Space