RCN Scotland responds to Prostitution Bill

The Bill, introduced by Ash Regan MSP, would create a new offence of paying for sexual acts and would seek to decriminalise the selling of sex. The Bill also seeks to ensure that a person who is, or has been, in prostitution is provided with help and support; this may include accommodation, financial assistance, healthcare or legal advice and representation.

At our annual Congress in 2019, RCN members debated the harms and health challenges associated with sex work and passed a motion calling for the RCN to lobby for the decriminalisation of both the selling and buying of sex. Our response to the Bill outlines this position, which does not align with all the proposals in the Bill. 

Eileen McKenna, Associate Director, Nursing, Policy & Professional Practice, at RCN Scotland, said:

“Many members who participated in the Congress debate gave examples of their direct care of those who have been involved in sex work. Those who spoke in favour of decriminalisation argued that it empowers sex workers to be safer and to access the health services and support they need.

“Our response notes that the Congress vote was not unanimous, with those speaking against the motion arguing that criminalising the purchase of sex is more effective at ending demand for sex work and that buying sex and brothel running are human rights abuses.

“As well as strongly supporting the decriminalisation of the selling of sex, we support the Bill’s intention regarding the provision of support, including healthcare, for those who work or have worked in prostitution. Our response notes, however, that the Bill does not consider the potential resource needs and how this need will be met.”

The call for views on the Bill has now closed. The Criminal Justice Committee will now scrutinise all views that have been collected and report the findings to Parliament. MSPs will then vote to determine if the Bill passes to the next stage.

Read our response to the Prostitution Bill here.