Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill

# Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill The bill seeks to reform Scotland's approach to prostitution by criminalising the purchase of sexual services while decriminalising the sale of such services. It addresses longstanding concerns about the exploitation and vulnerability of people involved in sex work, particularly in relation to trafficking and coercion. The legislation responds to evidence suggesting that current laws inadequately protect those selling sexual services from abuse, while failing to deter demand-side exploitation. The bill aims to adopt the "Nordic model" of prostitution law, which has been implemented in several European countries based on the rationale that criminalising buyers rather than sellers better protects vulnerable individuals from harm. The bill introduces a new criminal offence for purchasing sexual services, carrying a significant penalty intended to reduce demand for prostitution. Concurrently, it removes criminal penalties for individuals selling sexual services, provided they are not controlled or coerced by others. The legislation includes provisions for support services, recognising that many people in sex work require assistance to exit the industry. As a Member's Bill (rather than government-sponsored legislation), its progress through Parliament would depend on securing sufficient parliamentary support. The bill represents an attempt to shift criminal responsibility from the most vulnerable participants in the sex trade to those creating demand for it, while coupling law enforcement with support and exit pathways.

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