Scotland's Bishops urge backing for Regan's bill to criminalise buyers of sex

Scotland's Catholic Bishops have written to the First Minister urging support for Ash Regan's bill, which would criminalise buying sex and decriminalise selling it; the bill has split the Criminal Justice Committee and faces a key vote at Holyrood.

Scotland's Catholic Bishops have written to the First Minister urging support for the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill introduced by independent MSP Ash Regan. The bishops described the measure as intended to protect vulnerable people and to provide statutory support for those affected by prostitution. The Scottish Government has said it supports the principle of criminalising buyers but has expressed significant concerns about the bill as drafted. Holyrood scrutiny has been mixed and the bill is due for a key vote. Key facts: - Bishop John Keenan, president of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland, asked John Swinney to back the bill and said its core purpose is to reduce prostitution and support those affected. - The bill would criminalise people who buy sex and decriminalise people who sell it, and it would repeal the existing offence used to prosecute street prostitution under section 46 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. - The proposals include provision to quash past convictions under that offence and to create a new statutory right to support for people involved in the sex trade. - Community safety minister Siobhian Brown has said the Scottish Government has "significant concerns" about the bill as drafted, Holyrood's Criminal Justice Committee was split in its scrutiny, and a key vote at Holyrood is pending. Summary: Supporters, including Scotland's Catholic Bishops, say the bill shifts criminal responsibility onto buyers and would expand support for people who have sold sex, while the Scottish Government and some MSPs say substantial amendments are needed. The bill's passage remains undecided and the next major procedural step is the key vote at Holyrood; the outcome is undetermined at this time.