By Record View
Copyright dailyrecord
The law on prostitution is a glaring example of how the scales of justice are tilted against women. Sex workers, mainly women, take most of the risk and can be criminalised for their behaviour. This is despite the clear link between the men who control prostitution and the criminal underworlds of trafficking and drug dealing. At the same time, the mostly male clients of sex workers are protected from criminal action – with the purchase of sex currently legal. That is why MSP Ash Regan’s “unbuyable” Bill going through the Scottish Parliament is trying to redress the balance. If passed, it would criminalise the people who buy sex. It would also decriminalise those selling sex and offer them support to exit the trade. Clients could be fined and jailed if they break the new law. Police Scotland have lent their support for the principle of criminalising sex buying, arguing the practice amounts to exploitation. They are also supporting other elements of the Bill, such as quashing historic convictions for prostitution. Other bodies have raised concerns about the Bill and people who support sex work are vehemently opposed. But Regan should be congratulated for kickstarting a debate on prostitution. Commercial sexual exploitation is rampant and MSPs must do more to protect victims. Police Scotland should also be applauded for its constructive intervention – which is reasonable and humane. The law on this issue is not fit for purpose and must be urgently addressed in the interests of justice and public safety. The sex “industry” raises difficult questions around exploitation and women’s rights – but it is a debate that Holyrood must have. Scotland’s island communities rely on a vast network of publicly-controlled ferries to keep them connected. The SNP government is the ultimate owner of nationalised ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne. It also controls the only shipyard in the country which specialises in building ferries, Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow. With this in mind, it is a no-brainer that ferries for the Scottish isles should be built in Scotland. Anas Sarwar was right to make such an obvious point at Holyrood yesterday, backing workers at the Fergusons shipyard campaigning to save their jobs. There is a clear economic and social case for giving key contracts to Scottish workers. We’re sure First Minister John Swinney agrees – and we look forward to Ferguson workers securing their skilled jobs for generations to come.
