Sex Workers' Rights

That the Parliament notes that sex work is legal in Scotland; believes that, despite this, sex workers enjoy few of the protections offered to others and are subjected to deeply harmful social stigma and that. as a result, sex workers in the Highlands and Islands and elsewhere are exposed to unacceptable risks; notes the advice of the World Health Organization and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS in recommending that countries move toward full decriminalisation of sex work as part of their response to HIV/AIDS and other STIs; understands that this is supported by organisations that represent sex workers, including SCOT-PEP and Sex Worker Open University in Scotland; notes that a decriminalisation model, which is similar to that requested by these organisations, has been in place in New Zealand since 2003; considers that this policy has helped secure sex workers’ rights and reduced harm, and notes the view that decriminalisation warrants the most serious consideration in the ongoing public and political debate on Scotland’s approach to sex work.