The Scottish Government’s recent push to partner with Azalea, a controversial English charity, as a key advisor on sex work policy has rightly sparked widespread criticism. This decision, pressuring councils to collaborate with a group whose leadership believes in demon possession and exorcisms for sex workers, demonstrates a shocking disconnect from reality and a dangerous disregard for sex worker welfare. Azalea’s leadership promotes extreme and antiquated views, labeling sex work as a “gateway” to lesbianism and occult practices, beliefs that undermine the essential dignity and autonomy of the individuals they claim to help. The Government’s endorsement of Azalea disregards the voices of actual sex workers and organizations, such as National Ugly Mugs, that are committed to their safety and human rights.
In February, Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown announced plans for new regional "commercial sexual exploitation hubs" meant to provide safe exit strategies for women in prostitution and to reduce demand for these services. However, the strategy’s heavy reliance on Azalea’s support services has faced backlash. The Government has ignored local opposition, including from Glasgow City Council, chosen to pilot the program, which has categorically refused to participate. They cited Azalea's involvement as “dangerous” and highlighted the lack of clarity on essential elements like governance, funding, accountability, and timeline. These gaps reveal not just poor planning but also a refusal to listen to those on the ground who are knowledgeable about the complex realities of sex work and the support required.
Azalea’s CEO, Ruth Robb, and co-author Marion Carson espouse disturbing views in guidebooks meant to direct Christian outreach to sex workers. They openly describe yoga and popular games like Dungeons & Dragons as “occult practices” that supposedly open individuals to demonic possession, asserting that many sex workers are under “demonic influence.” This type of belief system is not only offensive but dangerously unfit as a foundation for public policy. Even more concerning, Robb encourages her staff to consider breaching confidentiality if they believe it would "bring glory to God," and shows outright disdain for the personal privacy rights of sex workers. Such reckless disregard for ethical standards raises serious questions about the credibility and judgment of any government that would align itself with such an organization.
Furthermore, Azalea’s views on sexuality are starkly homophobic and out of touch, implying that female sex workers are “drawn into” lesbianism and that lesbian relationships are inherently frustrating because of a “natural” desire for male protection. They similarly propagate harmful stereotypes about transgender individuals, reducing them to derogatory caricatures and claiming they are more prone to violence. The idea that such views could inform policy on any marginalized group is profoundly concerning.
This collaboration between the Scottish Government and Azalea is not just misguided; it’s a disservice to Scotland's values and to the well-being of those it purports to support. National Ugly Mugs’ CEO, Dr. Raven Bowen, has rightly condemned this partnership as “hocus-pocus nonsense,” highlighting how these policies have no basis in evidence and reflect an alliance with regressive religious ideologies rather than a commitment to rights and safety. This approach is in stark contrast to the evidence-backed recommendations from respected organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which advocate for the decriminalization and protection of sex workers. The Scottish public largely opposes these regressive measures and has repeatedly called for real, compassionate support that prioritizes the safety and welfare of sex workers. Instead, the Scottish Government’s alliance with Azalea undermines progress, promotes intolerance, and puts already vulnerable individuals at greater risk.