Senior city councillor leads campaign to end 'appalling' prostitution trade

Dec 10 2009 By Lauren Crooks

prostitution

PLANS to criminalise prostitution in the city have been launched.

The 'End Prostitution Now' campaign - led by Glasgow City Council depute leader James Coleman - wants law changes to create a range of offences to target the purchase of sex.

People who buy or seek to buy sex, as well as those who arrange or advertise the sale of sex, will be targeted.

Councillor Coleman says he is heartened by the progress that has been made in challenging public opinion on prostitution.

But he believes that legislation must go further and send a clear message that buying sex will not be tolerated in Glasgow.

He said: "Prostitution is an appalling form of human exploitation.

"It blights the lives of those involved, their families and the communities where this awful trade takes place.

"Tackling demand is the key to this issue. It is demand which fuels the vicious cycle of sexual exploitation that supplies vulnerable people to the sex industry.

"The recent kerb-crawling legislation went some way to address demand, but it left significant gaps.

"The amendments we propose will extend the reach of the law so there is no hiding place for the pimps, punters and brothel keepers who prey upon others.

"Treating individuals as commodities to be bought and sold is an attitude which was unacceptable in the 19th century and there is no reason why it should be acceptable now.

"By legislating against demand we will be sending a clear message that people are no longer for sale in this way.

"It is time to assign responsibility where it belongs, with the buyers of sex."

Posters highlighting the experience of men who have bought sex were unveiled at the launch in City Halls.

Scottish actor David Hayman gave readings based on comments made to researchers by men who have pruchased sex.

And a dedicated website has been set up so that members of the public can sign up to support the campaign.