Godman launches Members Bill to criminalise those who purchase sex

Dec 3 2010 by Cameron Hay, Paisley Daily Express

A CAMPAIGNING MSP is hoping to strike a devastating blow to Scotland’s sex industry – by calling time on pimps, punters and brothels.

West Renfrewshire MSP Trish Godman has launched a Member’s Bill to criminalise those who purchase and profit from the vile trade.

Kerb crawling was made an offence in October 2007 and carries a possible £1,000 fine and running a brothel or living off immoral earnings are against the law.

Now Ms Godman, who recently attempted to amend the law to criminalise the buying of sex, is hoping to progress the Member’s Bill into new legislation.

She hopes this will target those who buy or seek to buy sex, arrange or advertise the sale of sex and provide accommodation where the sale of sex takes place.

Labour MSP Ms Godman, who is set to stand down at next year’s Scottish Parliament elections, said: “Prostitution should be regarded in Scotland as an abuse and an exploitation that will not be tolerated.

“We must call time on the punters, pimps and brothel keepers.

“I believe that men’s demand fuels prostitution and only by targeting that demand can this harmful activity be stopped.

“For too long, most people in society have viewed prostitution and the role of male clients with tolerance, complacency and even indifference but my legislation will challenge the whole acceptance of men buying sex.

“Prostitution and those involved in this so-called industry are rarely the subject of political debate or public scrutiny, so I am looking for as wide a response as possible to my consultation.”

The proposals aim to change attitudes towards the acceptance of prostitution and reduce the demand for prostitution in Scotland by outlawing the act of buying sex.

Research shows that 75 per cent of women in prostitution became involved when they were children and 68 per cent meet the criteria for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in the same range as victims of torture.

Ms Godman launched her Bill in the Scottish Parliament last week to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

She has already received the support of Paisley South MSP Hugh Henry and Richard Baker MSP, who is Labour’s Justice spokesman.

Mr Baker said: “This Bill gives the Parliament an opportunity to challenge the perceived wisdom that implies that nothing can ever be done about tackling prostitution.

“I congratulate Trish Godman on bringing this Bill forward for debate because further measures are needed to tackle the misery and exploitation that goes along with prostitution.”