A sex worker charity has criticised a Government consultation which could lead to men being banned from buying sex. A sex worker involved with SCOTPEP warned that a law criminalising clients would be a “rapist’s charter” by forcing women to take greater risks.
Labour MSP Rhoda Grant previously lodged a bill to criminalise the purchase of sex, but it did not pass.
She has welcomed the consultation and said it must lead to legislation making the purchase of sex illegal.
She said: “The purchase of sex is a violent act against women and it should be criminalised."
However, SCOTPEP, which represents sex workers, has slammed the consultation.
Nadine Stott, a charity board member, said: “We’re very concerned about the timing and content of this consultation, with many sex workers still struggling with the effects of COVID-19.