Kerb-crawler Law comes into Force

[The Bacon Guy]

BBC News | Scotland | Kerb-crawler Law comes into Force

Legislation which makes kerb-crawling a criminal offence has come into force across Scotland. Anyone looking to pick up a prostitute will face a fine of up to £1,000. Until now, the law in Scotland has criminalised those selling sex on the streets and largely ignored those who demand their services. Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said it corrects an unfair legal position, although it has led to the scrapping of a tolerance zone in Aberdeen. The Prostitution (Public Places) (Scotland) Act 2007, passed by parliament in February, criminalises soliciting a prostitute for sex and loitering for the same purpose.

Thoughts?

[Milton Bradley]

We have already tried similar legislation here, only here they confiscate the John's car.


Doesn't seem to make a bit of difference.


As usual, I accuse those in the seats of power of just creating a paper trail that makes it look like they're doing something.

[Thanatos]

Quote by: Milton Bradley I accuse those in the seats of power of just creating a paper trail that makes it look like they're doing something.

Truer words have never been spoken. But what can they do, shoot the prostitutes and Johns? If you aren't scared of HIV or being robbed by the other party then risk of death probably won't deter you. This is one of those things where there are no good solutions, or even any bad solutions.

[Osborn F Enready]

Why not allow private individuals to sell their body for sex, since you allow it for labor?

[Milton Bradley]

Quote by: Thanatos Truer words have never been spoken. But what can they do, shoot the prostitutes and Johns? If you aren't scared of HIV or being robbed by the other party then risk of death probably won't deter you. This is one of those things where there are no good solutions, or even any bad solutions.

You decriminalize what you cannot control if you do not want your future dictated by the Black Market.

[Thanatos]

Quote by: Milton Bradley You decriminalize what you cannot control if you do not want your future dictated by the Black Market.

That's more of an acceptance of failure than a solution, but I suppose. Unions, workers compensation and regular checkups should do it. Oh, and now that its legal it could be taxed to within an inch of its life.

[tivodan1116]

Quote by: Thanatos That's more of an acceptance of failure than a solution, but I suppose.

Acceptance of failure is one of the hallmarks of being a mature, intelligent person.

For example: If I tried to become an NBA basketball player, I would fail. At some point in my life I became mature enough to realize that.

[SoylentGreen]

ThanatosTruer words have never been spoken. But what can they do, shoot the prostitutes and Johns? If you aren't scared of HIV or being robbed by the other party then risk of death probably won't deter you. This is one of those things where there are no good solutions, or even any bad solutions

.

What can you do? Try legalizing it, that's a good solution.
Some facts about prostitution in a country that has legalised it.

Prostitution in New Zealand - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

,On 25 june 2003 a bill was passed in New Zealand Parliament that legalised soliciting, living off the earnings of prostitution and brothel-keeping. Brothel keepers must apply for an operator's license although this is a formality unless the person has a serious criminal conviction. In September 2006 a report by the Otago University's Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences for the Review Committee indicated that the number of prostitutes plying their trade on the streets, since the changes of the Prostitution Reform Act 2003, has remained the same or reduced in some cases Prostitutes who do not wish to work for others but also want to avoid working on the streets often set up one-woman (or one-man) brothels or agencies, commonly from their homes. Within the definitions of the act these are termed SOOB's (Small Owner Operated Brothels) They tend to rely on classified newspaper advertisements, again, particularly New Zealand Truth. The New Zealand Prostitutes' Collective is an organisation that supports the rights of prostitutes in New Zealand, and also provides health and legal assistance, and general support. PUMP (Pride and Unity amongst Male Prostitutes) is a subsection of the collective. In July 2006 a police officer in Auckland was reprimanded for moonlighting as a prostitute without permission, but was allowed to keep her job as she had committed no crime.

[The Bacon Guy]

Quote by: Milt We have already tried similar legislation here, only here they confiscate the John's car.

I recall reading somewhere that they're considering that here.

Overall, I think schemes like this are simply more authoritarian nonsense. Not only do they fail to curb prostitution, the entire premise, that we should be trying to stop prostitution in the first place, is flawed. Society needs to learn to keep its nose out of people's business.

[grandpa]

Quote by: The Bacon Guy I recall reading somewhere that they're considering that here. Overall, I think schemes like this are simply more authoritarian nonsense.

Nonsense has value to some, though. In this case, it's the authoritarians you mention.

Grandpa h.

[tivodan1116]

Prostitution is a funny crime.

Taking money for sex is "wrong" we are told, but taking dinner for sex is OK. Taking 1/2 of a guy's stuff for having sex (and getting married) over an extended period of time is considered only right.

I'm exaggerating only slightly - the basic notion is that in our society, people offer sex in exchange for something all the time. Why not cash?

[Arawn-ap-Hywel]

Quote by: The Bacon Guy BBC News | Scotland | Kerb-crawler Law comes into Force Thoughts?

this is a very "green" view by the Scottish parliment, to be acknowledged as valued legislation, keeping the streets clear of slow moving vehicles and reducing carbon emissions.

hopefully the UK will take head and create a similar law.

Those wishing to meet for commercial congress can use other means to gain contact.

I'm pleased that those across the border have taken action and provide a simple solution

[another day]

Quote by: tivodan1116 Prostitution is a funny crime. Taking money for sex is "wrong" we are told, but taking dinner for sex is OK. Taking 1/2 of a guy's stuff for having sex (and getting married) over an extended period of time is considered only right. I'm exaggerating only slightly - the basic notion is that in our society, people offer sex in exchange for something all the time. Why not cash?

Also, i don't know about your city but in vancouver you can find pages and pages of escort services in the papers. They are bold and it's obvious what they offer. These services all have to get escort licenses. So apparently it's fine for them to sell their bodies for sex, but for the common girl on the street who pays a tax to their pimp instead of the government, it's illegal.

All the law does is create another underground criminal element. It also creates the perfect killing grounds for killers like gary ridgway.

[grandpa]

Quote by: tivodan1116 Prostitution is a funny crime. Taking money for sex is "wrong" we are told, but taking dinner for sex is OK. Taking 1/2 of a guy's stuff for having sex (and getting married) over an extended period of time is considered only right. I'm exaggerating only slightly - the basic notion is that in our society, people offer sex in exchange for something all the time. Why not cash?

This has long been noted by so many people I wouldn't know where else to start but you. I guess the biggest difference is how laws and poverty more directly influence prostitutes, and prostitution is not considered a thing of "love."

Grandpa h.