End Prostitution Now campaign backed by thousands of Glaswegians

Mar 10 2011 By Joe McGuire

prostitution

THOUSANDS of Glaswegians have put their names to a petition demanding tougher laws to tackle prostitution.

More than 5000 people have got behind Glasgow Community & Safety Services's End Prostitution Now Campaign by signing a petition calling for stricter laws.

Currently a legal loophole means it is not a crime to buy sex indoors.

New legislation proposed by Glasgow MSP Trish Godman would close this oversight and make it a criminal offence.

It would also make it illegal to facilitate the sale of sexual services, whether by advertising in newspapers, on the internet or by allowing your premises to be used for prostitution. The campaign also targets the people who buy sex, rather than those who are forced into prostitution.

Councillor Jim Coleman, Chair of Glasgow Community & Safety Services, presented the 5581-strong petition to Ms Godman.

He said: "The number of people who signed it demonstrates the strength of feeling on this issue.

"People clearly appreciate that women involved in prostitution are exceptionally vulnerable individuals often with harrowing life histories. Everything must be done to end their exploitation.

"There must be no hiding place for those who create demand for prostitution by seeking to buy sex or who profit from the sale of sex in flats, saunas and other premises throughout Scotland."

Ms Godman said: "It is my firmly held belief that male demand fuels prostitution in Scotland. Only by criminalising that demand can we call time on this activity.

"This show of support is vital in progressing my proposals to the next stage."

For more information, visit www.endprostitutionnow.org