Combatting Commercial Sexual Exploitation

That the Parliament understands that prostitution is recognised by the Scottish Government as a form of violence against women; considers that, despite the Scottish Government’s commitment to deterring demand for prostitution, it is currently legal to perpetrate this form of violence against women in Scotland, including in the Highlands and Islands region; further considers that Scotland is an attractive destination for sex traffickers due to pimping websites and paying for sex being legal; notes the findings of the report, International Insights: How Scotland can learn from international efforts to combat commercial sexual exploitation, which was published by the survivor-led campaign, A Model For Scotland; further notes the support for its conclusion that outlawing pimping websites and paying for sex, and decriminalising victims, is critical to reducing the demand that drives commercial sexual exploitation; understands that the right has been secured to introduce the proposed Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill; believes that the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls recommends that states adopt the prostitution law reforms advocated by the campaign, A Model For Scotland, and contained in the proposed Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill, and notes the calls for the Scottish Government to outlaw pimping websites and paying for sex, and to decriminalise and support victims of sexual exploitation.