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Recent Reports
Aithisgean ùra
Committee Reports
Aithisgean Chomataidh
Research Briefings
Brathan-ullachaidh Rannsachadh
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Ais-eòlas
Published by The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body
Stage 1 Report on the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill
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Published: Friday 23 Jan 2026 (CJS626R02)
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Introduction
Role of the Committee
Approach to evidence-taking
Lived experience
Evidence from police and prosecution services in Sweden, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee
Finance and Public Administration Committee
Late Submissions
SECTION 1: Offence of paying for the performance of a sexual act by a person
The proposal in the Bill
Position of the Member in Charge of the Bill, Ash Regan MSP
Main issues highlighted in relation to the proposed offence
Harm caused by prostitution
Impact of the proposed offence on safety of individuals involved in prostitution/sex work
Views of those against a new offence
Views of those in favour of a new offence
Position of Ash Regan MSP on the issue of safety
Impact on demand
Views of those in favour of a new offence
Views of those against a new offence
Position of Ash Regan MSP on demand reduction
Impact on trafficking and other criminal activity
Position of Ash Regan MSP on trafficking and criminal activity
Full decriminalisation
Definitions
Policing and prosecuting a new offence in Scotland
Implications for policing
Prosecuting the new offence
Penalties for the offence of paying for the performance of a sexual act
Costs associated with policing and prosecuting the new offence
Position of Ash Regan MSP
Position of the Scottish Government
Response of Ash Regan MSP to the Scottish Government’s position
Conclusions and recommendations
SECTIONS 2 AND 3: Repeal of offence of soliciting
The proposal in the Bill
Views on the proposal
Conclusions and Recommendations
SECTIONS 4 AND 5: QUASHING OF HISTORIC CONVICTIONS
The proposal in the Bill
Views on the proposal
Use of pardons as an alternative approach
Conclusions and Recommendations
SECTION 6: Right to assistance and support
The proposal in the Bill
Views on the proposal
Position of Ash Regan MSP
Conclusions and Recommendations
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
ANNEXE A: Written, Oral and Supplementary Evidence
ANNEXE B: Extracts from the Minutes
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