Eileen to turn the spotlight on Scots sex trade

A Lib- Dem politician will speak on the issue of commercial sexual exploitation at today’s full meeting of Renfrewshire Council.

Councillor Eileen McCartin is calling on the local authority to back the Nordic approach to prostitution, which criminalises the purchase of sex, decriminalises its sale and supports people to leave the industry.

In Scotland prostitution itself is legal but public solicitation, running brothels and pimping are criminal offences.

However, Councillor McCartin is urging the administration to write to Scottish Government Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf, showing its support for a different approach.

She wi l l address councillors in a speech, saying: “Prostitution, we’re always told, is the oldest ‘profession’ and will never disappear.

“All I want to do, and the growing number of countries and people want to do, is to try to stem the tide of some of the most appalling abuse of women and girls that is present in the western world today.

“I know some young men are also caught up in the circle of vice and abuse but for the purposes of this debate I will refer to women and girls.

“What we are asking today is to put Renfrewshire’s voice to that already spoken by the SNP, the Labour party and some other politicians.

“I would ask Nicola Sturgeon to ensure that the legal framework is put in place to support abused women to find a way to rebuild a lifestyle, which does not include being raped.

“I hope you will support us in trying to bring our country up to more humane standards, and not have us, exist in a world of double standards – condemning trafficking, condemning abuse and yet doing nothing to help women and girls and, yes, young men, to see a way out of their nightmares.”