Why Ash Regan's Bill Threatens Sex Workers' Safety and Rights
Ash Regan's proposal to criminalize the purchase of sex in Scotland, while framed as a way to combat exploitation, poses a significant threat to the safety, autonomy, and livelihoods of sex workers. Rather than protecting individuals, this "Nordic model" risks pushing sex work further underground, increasing danger, and disempowering those it claims to help. Sex workers across Scotland should unite and vociferously oppose this bill.
Increased Danger and Reduced Safety for Sex Workers
Regan's bill aims to punish those who pay for sex with fines up to £10,000 and six-month jail sentences. While this might seem like a deterrent, experiences in countries like Sweden and Norway have shown a different reality. When the buying of sex is criminalized, transactions become more clandestine. This pushes sex work into hidden, unregulated spaces, making it harder for sex workers to screen clients, negotiate terms, or seek help in emergencies. It also empowers clients to demand riskier activities due to the increased illegality, leading to a rise in violence and exploitation.
Erosion of Autonomy and Control
For many, sex work is a chosen profession, offering financial independence and flexibility that might not be available in other sectors. Decriminalizing the selling of sex while criminalizing its purchase creates a perverse situation where sex workers are "allowed" to sell, but their clients are deemed criminals. This effectively removes the client base, making it nearly impossible to work safely and openly. It strips sex workers of their agency and ability to control their working conditions, forcing them into desperate circumstances where they are more vulnerable to exploitation.
Undermining Health and Support Services
When sex work is driven underground, access to vital health services, including sexual health checks, and support networks becomes significantly more difficult. Fear of legal repercussions or judgment can prevent sex workers from seeking medical care or reporting violence. This impacts not only their individual well-being but also public health efforts to control the spread of STIs and provide harm reduction services.
Focus on Punishment, Not Solutions
Regan's argument that "prostitution is not a theoretical debate" and that "real women, many of whom are poor, addicted, traumatised, or displaced" are exploited is valid. However, criminalizing the demand side does little to address these root causes. Instead of punitive measures, the focus should be on providing robust social support, housing, addiction services, and pathways out of poverty for those who want to leave sex work. For those who choose to remain, the priority should be ensuring their safety, legal protections, and access to justice.
What Sex Workers Can Do
It is crucial for sex workers, their allies, and human rights organizations to actively campaign against this proposed legislation. This includes:
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Lobbying MSPs: Contacting Members of the Scottish Parliament to explain the detrimental impacts of the bill.
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Sharing Lived Experiences: Highlighting personal stories and evidence of how criminalization harms sex workers.
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Forming Coalitions: Collaborating with advocacy groups and unions to present a united front.
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Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public on the realities of sex work and the dangers of the Nordic model.
Scotland should strive to create a society where all individuals are safe and have their rights respected. Ash Regan's bill, despite its stated intentions, moves Scotland further away from this goal for sex workers. It's time for a collective fight against a proposal that threatens to make Scotland a more dangerous place for those already marginalized.