Scottish Socialists support Swedish Model

[delphyne]

It's a tiny political party in a small country, but hey, good for them:

http://www. scottishsocialistparty.org/

http://www. scottishsocialistparty.org/pages/prostitution.html

You can watch the speakers in support of the motion at their annual conference here:

http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=qsR3VKqxIlk&mode=related&search=

[Jimmy H.]

This is great news. Even though they are a small party, they are represented at "anti-globalist" events (European Social Forum, etc.), and as such it is important that they take a clear stance (given the ambiguous or pro-legalisation position of other "alternative" organisations, likesay a part of the German Grünen and French Les Verts, two ecologist parties that have had governmental responsibilities).

I liked Mhairi McAlpine's statement:

(...)
Economic coercion to perform sex acts is a violation of women’s integrity and can only be understood within the context of ongoing social and economic discrimination. To criminalise prostituted women is to criminalise the victim.

Nonetheless decriminalisation is not the answer, for this is not a victimless crime. Those who use prostituted women are party to a system of enslavement, which brings women from poorer parts of the world to be multiply raped on a daily basis, which keeps women drug addicted to blot out the realities of their experiences, and which causes adult victims of sexual abuse trapped in a cycle of negative sexual relations.
(...)

We want to see a Scottish wide education programme to highlight the realities of the industry and of the experiences of women trapped within it and send a clear signal to anyone contemplating purchasing sex that it is unacceptable by bringing in legislation aimed at outlawing the purchase of sex.

(I almost wish I could find a can of Irn-Bru to celebrate.)

[annared]

The Feminist Fightback conference, which was held recently included a session held by the IUSW. I did not attend but apparently, a woman from the Scottish Socialist Party was present in the audience. She gave [I was told] a lengthy criticism of the IUSW’s views on the legitimacy of sex work. She also complained that there was no counter-argument and stated how renting your body is exploitative and should not be considered or encouraged as a legitimate profession.

Much to people’s relief! as the IUSW speech was unsubstantiated including how sex work is a good job because of self-employment status, flexibility and mobility.

Scottish Socialist Party worker saved the day!

(edit to add) Charlie was also very vocal!

[Jimmy H.]

Impressive. They really do rock (on this issue, at least)!

[delphyne]

I just took a look at the details of the Feminist Fightback conference. It was organised by Sofie who has the Volsunga blog. They also had Feminists Against Censorship (aka Feminists for Porn) on the agenda.

Thank goodness the Scots were there.

[Jimmy H.]

(Edited because I referred to a blog discussion and I think it is important to stop focusing on those.)

[Nieves]

I'm glad to hear about the scottish socialist party!

Jimmy, how do you know about Irn Bru?

[Jimmy H.]

Jimmy, how do you know about Irn Bru?

One of my best friends is half-Scottish and I once visited with him there for a few very happy days. This was more than ten years ago, but Barr's Irn-Bru seemed to be all over the place. Since I don't drink alcohol, I adopted the stuff, more for the "Scottish touch" (couleur locale) than the taste (though I didn't dislike it; a bit too chemical, like drinking vitamin C). I am nostalgic about it, because I didn't find any when I went to England some time later, and I doubt any was ever imported in France (the closest thing I've tasted was a Chinese "energy drink" called Jianlibao). I always associate Irn-Bru with Scottish accent and the beautiful landscapes I've seen there.

[annared]

Jimmy I live in England about an hours drive from the Scottish border. We have plenty Irn-Bru here in the north east, but I do much prefer mine with vodka

[Nieves]

I went out and bought a can of Irn Bru yesterday. For some reason, I just had to have one.

The recordings from the SSP debate on prostitution are quite encouraging. That is what socialism is about! Yes, Scotland is a small country, but doesn't that make change easier?