P4P in Scotland

New plans to tackle prostitution by criminalising pimps, brothel keepers and customers are to be launched in the Scottish Parliament.

Labour MSP Trish Godman, who unsuccessfully attempted to add a prostitution amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill that was passed in the summer, is to launch a consultation on a new private members bill, with people able to comment on it until 18 February.

The Criminalisation of the Purchase and Sale of Sex (Scotland) Bill , focuses on the people who facilitate and purchase sex, while treating the sex worker as a victim.

Ms Godman said: Prostitution should be regarded in Scotland as an abuse and an exploitation that will not be tolerated - we must call time on the punters, pimps and brothel keepers. My legislation will challenge the whole acceptance of men buying sex.

Update: 'Consultation'

Thanks to Melanie-H

Trish Godman has published a worthless one sided, and presumably private 'consultation' which only allows for opinions supporting her aims:

• to make the purchasing/selling of sex indoors illegal;
• and to strengthen existing legislation to criminalise activities linked to prostitution, specifically advertising and facilitating

She has put together a 'consultation' document with no provision whatsoever to oppose the proposal. It asks:

1. Which option do you favour? Please explain the reasons for your choice.
   Option 1 is to criminalise both the seller and the purchaser;
   Option 2 is to criminalise only the purchaser.
   
2. What penalties would have a deterrent effect for the purchaser/seller?
   
3. What are the barriers to policing and enforcing a prohibition on advertising?
   
4. What penalties are appropriate for those who advertise brothels or prostitution, bearing in mind these may range from individuals such as prostitutes to organised crime gang members?
   
5. What are there barriers to policing and enforcing this aspect of the proposal?
   
6. What penalties are appropriate for those that facilitate prostitution, bearing in mind these might be individuals such as prostitutes or organised crime gang members?
   
7. What other costs might arise as a consequence of this proposal?
   
8. Are there any equality issues that arise from this proposal?

Responses are invited by 18th February 2011 to:

Trish Godman MSP
Q2.08a
Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh EH99 1SP

Tel: 0131 348 5837
Fax: 0131 348 6460
E-mail: trish.godman.msp@scottish.parliament.uk