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Motion · S6M-01696 · 15 Oct 2021

18 October Marks Annual Anti-Slavery Day

Lodged by Jeremy Balfour Standard Motion 25 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament notes that 18 October marks the annual Anti-Slavery Day; is aware that, while Scotland has a good track record in adopting measures to tackle modern-day slavery, human trafficking remains a serious, if often invisible, problem in Scotland today; considers that Anti-Slavery Day provides an opportunity to reflect upon the tireless efforts of those in the past, notably the Christian politician, William Wilberforce, who led an ultimately successful campaign against the slave trade in the face of fierce opposition; further considers that it is an opportunity to assess what practical action can be taken by those in authority now to continue the legacy of Wilberforce and others; believes that one such measure, in light of well documented and troubling links between human trafficking and the sex trade, would be to criminalise men who purchase sex, thereby dealing with one of the main drivers of human trafficking at source, and, in light of commercial sexual exploitation reportedly being regarded by the Scottish Government and others as a form of violence against women, further believes that criminalisation of the men who purchase sex is the only logical next step.

Supporters (25)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.