The force has described buying sex as a form of “exploitation” and confirmed support for decriminalising those who sell sex, as well as quashing historic convictions against sex workers.
Under Regan’s Unbuyable Bill, those convicted of buying sex would face fines of up to £10,000 and possible jail sentences. Her proposals also call for the repeal of decades-old laws that criminalise prostitutes for “loitering, soliciting or importuning in a public place”.
In a statement, Police Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division said:
“Police Scotland are fully supportive that buying sex is a form of exploitation and should be covered by law.”
The force added that many who sell sex are among the most vulnerable in society and should be supported rather than criminalised. On historic convictions, they said:
“People with convictions under section 46 can be impacted in a number of negative ways, including securing employment. This can be counterproductive in trying to assist people who are ready and looking to exit from prostitution.”
Regan welcomed the police’s backing, calling it a “landmark moment” in efforts to tackle commercial sexual exploitation. She argued that the Bill would close loopholes in policing off-street exploitation and urged MSPs to “end the demand that drives prostitution and trafficking”.
However, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) raised concerns that the legislation could raise unrealistic expectations of increased prosecutions. They pointed to Ireland and Northern Ireland, where similar laws led to relatively few convictions.
The PCS trade union also opposed the plans, warning that criminalising the purchase of sex could push sex workers into more dangerous and precarious conditions.
Regan, who resigned from Nicola Sturgeon’s government over gender reform plans before joining Alba, said the combination of survivors’ voices, frontline services and now police support makes the case for change “stronger than ever”.
