Police support plan to criminalise 'exploitation' of women

POLICE chiefs have thrown their weight behind a bid to outlaw the buying of sex in a "landmark" move.

- BY PAUL HUTCHEON

Alba MSP Ash Regan’s “Unbuyable Bill” would make paying for sex a criminal offence, with those convicted facing fines of up to £10,000 and possible jail sentences.

Now Police Scotland have decided to support the Bill, claiming the buying of sex leads to “exploitation” and trafficking of women.

They have also decided to support decriminalising those who sell sex, saying they need support rather than being dragged through the courts.

In their response to a Holyrood consultation on the bill the Specialist Crime Division of Police Scotland wrote: “Police Scotland are fully supportive that buying sex is a form of exploitation and should be covered by law.”

A spokesperson for the force confirmed this means they support criminalising sex buying. Regan’s Bill also proposes to repeal parts of decades-old legislation that criminalises prostitutes for “loitering, soliciting or importuning in a public place”.

The police said they are “fully supportive” of the Regan's proposal.