Sex workers back an independent Scotland - but oppose SNP prostitution policy
The first new grassroots campaign of the forthcoming Indyref2 campaign has been launched: Sex Workers For Yes.
Formed this week, the group says it has two objectives – to persuade sex workers to back independence and to persuade the Scottish National Party (SNP) to drop its support of what’s known as the Nordic model of legalisation for prostitution.
At its recent conference, the SNP voted to back changes to prostitution laws to criminalise those paying for sex, but not those who sell it.
Delegates accepted moves for a Scottish model along the lines of those adopted in Scandinavian countries.
This states that “commercial sexual exploitation, including prostitution and human trafficking, is a form of violence against women”.
However, some sex worker charities and groups – including those behind the new Yes group – want full legalisation, and say that the Nordic model increases the risks of violence against sex workers.
Launching the new pro-indy group, Holly, a sex worker and independence supporter, said: "Many sex workers supported independence in 2014, and many will do so again when the next referendum comes. In particular, sex workers who are European Union nationals but who work in Scotland now see independence as the only chance to retain their rights to stay here.
“Last time the No side made the case that independence would put at risk their freedom to live, work and be in relationships here – but that argument has proved hollow.
"However, as a result of the vote at SNP conference to support the dangerous Nordic model, we now have a second task.
"We are your friends, your neighbours, your partners. We believe Scotland can follow the example set by New Zealand, a small independent country which listened to the evidence and designed modern legislation in this area accordingly."
Another, called Alec, said: "I campaigned for independence in 2014, and I am heartbroken that my friends in the SNP were unable to persuade enough of their colleagues to put our safety first. Even if this disastrous decision cannot be overturned before the referendum, I will still campaign for independence, but I will do so with a heavy heart.
"The way a society treats the most vulnerable says a lot about it. I cannot believe that exposing our workplaces to criminalisation and violence is really the settled will of the SNP, nor surely does it represent the inclusive and tolerant future they speak about.”
The Nordic / Scottish model was passed at SNP conference following a resolution proposed by Ash Denham MSP.
She said: “My resolution charters a Scottish model on prostitution that protects victims of prostitution and punishes those that would exploit them.
“We have taken a big step in tackling gender-based violence. Countless victims of prostitution state that violence is an inevitable part of the industry.
“This is backed up by studies here in the UK, as well as fully decriminalised systems like New Zealand, where prostituted women have said full decriminalisation will do little to address violence.
“Whether it is above ground or underground, the culture of prostitution is the same: abusive and degrading. I applaud SNP delegates for recognising this.
“Furthermore, many other studies show a clear link between prostitution and human trafficking. The two systems fuel one another."
Sex Workers For Yes can be found on Twitter@SexWorkers4Yes.
