A former Deputy Chief Constable of Police Scotland has been appointed to lead a new independent commission examining how the purchase of sex could be criminalised in Scotland.
Fiona Taylor will chair the commission, which will consider how any new offence could be introduced safely and effectively while ensuring the protection of those involved in prostitution.
The work follows a recommendation from the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee during scrutiny of the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill.
Ministers have committed to establishing the commission to explore how legislation could be designed to criminalise the purchase of sex while addressing concerns about potential risks to those involved in prostitution.
The commission will gather evidence including the experiences and views of people who have been involved in prostitution.
Its work will include examining how a new criminal offence for purchasing sex could be framed and enforced in practice.
Members will also consider how any new law might affect the safety of individuals involved in prostitution.
Another key area of work will focus on how people who wish to leave prostitution could be supported through practical and sustainable services.
The commission will also examine what further action could be taken to challenge and deter demand for prostitution.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said:
“I am clear that prostitution is violence against women and girls and the purchase of sex should be criminalised.
“That is why we are following the Criminal Justice Committee’s recommendation to establish a Commission to consider how this can be done in an effective, enforceable way while addressing concerns raised that criminalisation could place women at higher risk of violence.
“Women also need to be able to access practical, sustainable support to help them exit prostitution and this will be another strand of the Commission’s work, along with what more can be done to challenge and deter men’s demand for buying sex.
“I am very pleased that Fiona Taylor has been appointed as Chair.
“Fiona brings significant experience to the issues and challenges involved in this important area of work, having had a distinguished career including serving as Deputy Chief Constable and Interim Chief Constable of Police Scotland.
“Fiona, like the Scottish Government, also recognises the value and importance of lived experience, which will be at the heart of this work.”
Ms Taylor said she was honoured to lead the commission.
“I am grateful to have been offered the opportunity to chair the independent Commission tasked with progressing this important matter.
“I look forward to working with other members of the Commission, once appointed, and reporting back to Ministers in due course.”
The Scottish Government said the commission will work with ministers to finalise its terms of reference.
A panel of experts will also be appointed to support the work of the commission.
The group is expected to report back to Scottish ministers within one year of its first meeting.
