Menu
19/11/2008
'Curb Crawlers' Could Face Criminal Charges
Men caught using trafficked sex workers could be handed down a hefty fine and receive a criminal record under new proposals brought forward by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.
Ms Smith said she would work to reduce the exploitation of women affected by human trafficking, and would pursue the prosecution of men found using 'vulnerable' prostitutes.
Proposals by the Home Secretary would make it illegal to pay for sex with a prostitute who is controlled by a pimp or trafficker.
Consensual sex work would remain legal, however, campaigners said amendments to the current situation could scare away safe clients, and put prostitutes at a greater risk.
Ms Smith said the aim of the reformation was to cut the demand for prostitution.
"I hope that men will think twice about the fact that probably the majority of women in prostitution - are effectively as good as slaves," she told Sky News.
The Home Secretary warned: "If you are paying for that, you are part of the problem."
Men found guilty of paying exploited sex workers would face fines of up to £1,000 and a criminal record, under the plans.
According to Ms Smith, ignorance of a prostitute’s oppression would not be a valid defence.
Even if a client believed the woman was working independently, he could still face prosecution, if this was later proved otherwise.
Ms Smith suggested around 80,000 women work as prostitutes in the UK, most of which operated against their will, a figure disputed by English Collective of Prostitutes' Niki Adams.
Ms Adams told the BBC: "Most women are not working for pimps. Most women are not trafficked.
"What we do know is that women from all kinds of walks of life, also working as teachers and students, are working in prostitution. And it is consenting sex."
She warned government plans could put lives at risk.
"There is nothing in these proposals to address the poverty debt, homelessness and domestic violence which the government itself acknowledges are factors that force women into prostitution," claimed Ms Adams.
(PR)
Ms Smith said she would work to reduce the exploitation of women affected by human trafficking, and would pursue the prosecution of men found using 'vulnerable' prostitutes.
Proposals by the Home Secretary would make it illegal to pay for sex with a prostitute who is controlled by a pimp or trafficker.
Consensual sex work would remain legal, however, campaigners said amendments to the current situation could scare away safe clients, and put prostitutes at a greater risk.
Ms Smith said the aim of the reformation was to cut the demand for prostitution.
"I hope that men will think twice about the fact that probably the majority of women in prostitution - are effectively as good as slaves," she told Sky News.
The Home Secretary warned: "If you are paying for that, you are part of the problem."
Men found guilty of paying exploited sex workers would face fines of up to £1,000 and a criminal record, under the plans.
According to Ms Smith, ignorance of a prostitute’s oppression would not be a valid defence.
Even if a client believed the woman was working independently, he could still face prosecution, if this was later proved otherwise.
Ms Smith suggested around 80,000 women work as prostitutes in the UK, most of which operated against their will, a figure disputed by English Collective of Prostitutes' Niki Adams.
Ms Adams told the BBC: "Most women are not working for pimps. Most women are not trafficked.
"What we do know is that women from all kinds of walks of life, also working as teachers and students, are working in prostitution. And it is consenting sex."
She warned government plans could put lives at risk.
"There is nothing in these proposals to address the poverty debt, homelessness and domestic violence which the government itself acknowledges are factors that force women into prostitution," claimed Ms Adams.
(PR)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 July 2004
Blunkett reveals plans to shake up sex laws
Local authorities could be given the power to set up "managed" prostitution zones, one of the options being considered by a new Government rethink on vice law. Other developments proposed in the Home Office consultation paper include the legalisation of brothels, and the introduction of state registration and regular health checks for sex workers.
Blunkett reveals plans to shake up sex laws
Local authorities could be given the power to set up "managed" prostitution zones, one of the options being considered by a new Government rethink on vice law. Other developments proposed in the Home Office consultation paper include the legalisation of brothels, and the introduction of state registration and regular health checks for sex workers.
17 February 2004
UK sees 20% increase in multiple births over 10 years
Mothers are having 20% more multiple births than they were a decade ago, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Statistics have revealed that in 2002, the multiple birth rate was 15 per 1,000 women giving birth, compared with 12.5 in 1992.
UK sees 20% increase in multiple births over 10 years
Mothers are having 20% more multiple births than they were a decade ago, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Statistics have revealed that in 2002, the multiple birth rate was 15 per 1,000 women giving birth, compared with 12.5 in 1992.
08 July 2005
Emergency contraception ‘does not encourage’ unsafe sex
The sale of the ‘morning-after’ pill over the counter in the UK has not increased its use or changed patterns of use, a new study has found. Emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) has been available without prescription to British women aged 16 or over since January 2001, costing between £20-£25.
Emergency contraception ‘does not encourage’ unsafe sex
The sale of the ‘morning-after’ pill over the counter in the UK has not increased its use or changed patterns of use, a new study has found. Emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) has been available without prescription to British women aged 16 or over since January 2001, costing between £20-£25.
25 June 2009
Jacqui Smith's 'Humiliation'
Former home secretary Jacqui Smith has spoken of the anguish caused to her family during the expenses scandal. Ms Smith, the first woman to ever head-up the Home Office, said revelations her husband had charged the cost of two pay-per-view porn movies to the taxpayer were humiliating.
Jacqui Smith's 'Humiliation'
Former home secretary Jacqui Smith has spoken of the anguish caused to her family during the expenses scandal. Ms Smith, the first woman to ever head-up the Home Office, said revelations her husband had charged the cost of two pay-per-view porn movies to the taxpayer were humiliating.
23 June 2014
Local Govt Workers Vote 'Yes' For Strike Action
UNISON's local government and school support workers have voted yes to strike action in a dispute over pay. The low paid, mainly women, workers have faced a 3 year pay freeze and have now been offered a 1% pay rise.
Local Govt Workers Vote 'Yes' For Strike Action
UNISON's local government and school support workers have voted yes to strike action in a dispute over pay. The low paid, mainly women, workers have faced a 3 year pay freeze and have now been offered a 1% pay rise.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
