Critics Hit Out At Proposals To Make Prostitution Illegal

8.18.26pm GMT Sat 22nd Dec 2007

A ban could put more women in danger

Plans to change the law to make it illegal to pay for sex have attracted criticism from a number of groups. Commons leader Harriet Harman said ministers were to look at how Sweden brought in such a law. The English Collective of Prostitutes said legal brothels would be preferable and the Liberal Democrats said a ban could put women in more danger. Buying or selling sex is legal but many prostitution-related activities, such as soliciting and pimping, are not.

Lib Dem Shadow Solicitor General David Howarth comments "A ban is not the answer, as it could put women in more danger. Evidence from Sweden in making prostitution illegal has shown that it doesn't help in reducing human trafficking. It, in fact, increases violence against women and makes the practice of prostitution far more risky for all involved. Outlawing prostitution completely will mean that men will be far less likely to come forward to help with prosecutions for fear of criminalisation themselves."