Why we support the Unbuyable Bill – and you should, too!
You may have seen us in the media recently talking about the Nordic Model, and supporting Ash Regan’s Unbuyable Bill. We have written about this issue before on the blog (here and here), but to recap, the Nordic Model seeks to decriminalise the individuals who are bought and sold for sex (primarily women), criminalises the buying of sex (those who fuel the demand), and provides support services to help people exit prostitution.
The Unbuyable Bill is currently going through the Scottish Parliament, and you can help support it! At the end of this post you will find four actions you can take now to support the Bill.
The situation now
In Scotland, buying sex is currently legal, even though the vast majority of those involved in prostitution are not there by choice, but are being forced to sell their bodies by other people, or by circumstances such as poverty, homelessness or other factors. There is little to no structured support to help people exit prostitution safely.
Why we believe that the Nordic Model is better than the current law:
The Nordic Model works because it:
- Reduces demand for commercial sexual exploitation by holding buyers accountable – sending a clear message that buying sex is harmful and unacceptable.
- Provides legal pathways for those trapped to be able to escape exploitation, removing the stigma of previous convictions that can hinder future prospects.
- Focuses on prevention and recovery, not punishment.
- Recognises prostitution as a form of violence and inequality, not ‘work’ or ‘a choice’ for the vast majority who are in it.
Countries that have adopted this model (such as Sweden, Norway, and France) have seen positive social impacts, including fewer women in prostitution, less sex trafficking, and stronger public awareness of the harms involved.
How can you support this campaign?
The Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill is at Stage 1 (of 3) in Parliament – this is the most important time for the public campaign to support the Bill.
- Stay informed: have a read of the links above, and get in touch if you have any questions.
- Contact your MSP: Let them know you support the Unbuyable Bill and ask them to back it. We will soon share more resources to help you do this – stay tuned!
- Share your voice: Talk about this issue with friends, family, and on social media, and respond to the Parliament’s call for views (click the button below).
- Support organisations working with women in prostitution and advocating for law reform.
Together, we can help build a Scotland where no one is for sale.
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