Law to target those buying sex
Soliciting offence to be scrapped by Executive
New laws will target men who pay for sex with street prostitutes.
Measures announced yesterday by the Scottish Executive will mean that for the first time the law will apply to those who buy as well as sell sex. The offence of soliciting is to be scrapped and those found guilty of buying or selling sex - whether in cars or on foot - in a way that causes a nuisance or alarm could be fined up to £500.
Councils will also be allowed to set up managed areas where prostitutes would not cause a nuisance and where health, counselling and welfare advice is available to women working as prostitutes. Councils would also have to provide advice for those wanting to stop.
Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry said: "For too long the law in Scotland has been focused on women soliciting and not on men purchasing sex. There is a need to redress this balance and that's what we are going to do with this new approach."
The new laws follow on from a report last December by an expert panel chaired by former Strathclyde Police assistant chief constable Sandra Hood.
The draft legislation will feature in the Sentencing Bill to be brought forward in 2006-07.
Current News05.09.08 PM changes tack on tax-raising powersAllowing Scottish Parliament more accountability would strengthen the UK, says Brown 05.09.08 Summary justice reform success, claims AngioliniLord Advocate's letter says figures to date indicate new system working 04.09.08 Advocates in Aberdeen launch new websiteInternet presence aimed at increasing awareness of Society of Advocates in the north east 04.09.08 Legal profession, local income tax top bill listScottish Government unveils legislative programme for 2008-09 04.09.08 Step up to associate for Fife lawyerSue Arrowsmith promoted at Murray Donald Drummond Cook LLP 04.09.08 Prosecution inspectorate publishes annual reportReview pending of new fiscal fine system 03.09.08 Society welcomes Legal Profession BillHopes that bill will provide for alternative business structures for law firms 03.09.08 'No proof that plaques harmful': insurance lawyersIndustry's legal team argue against proposed law extending compensation 03.09.08 Commissioner orders release of tender informationCouncil not justified in claim that Street Outreach documents must be kept secret 02.09.08 Stamp duty break for lower value properties12-month threshold of £175,000 among government moves to buck up housing market 01.09.08 Government publishes sentencing proposalsJudges and sheriffs would need to reveal reasons for departing from guidelines 01.09.08 Revenue reminds of new tax return date31 October now deadline for paper returns 01.09.08 Blackadders' review results in 44 job lossesTwo branches also close as firm consolidates to combat property market troubles 01.09.08 Area procurator fiscal appointment for CentralMichelle Macleod takes on new role 01.09.08 Partner catch for Ledingham ChalmersNeil Anderson appointed, while Marysia Lewis takes up floating sheriff appointment |