'common prostitutes' now 'persons'
Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 9:03 amA step in the right direction (but for the wrong reasons):
The word 'prostitute' is banned in favour of 'person'
27th June 2007
In a dramatic softening of the law on prostitution, only 'persistent' street offenders will face any police action.
The term 'common prostitute' will be banished from English law. Instead, sex workers must be referred to as 'persons'.
In the final act of the Blair Government, Ministers also announced that tens of thousands of convicts who re-offend will receive softer punishments or escape jail altogether.
It is yet another attempt to reduce prison overcrowding, only days after ministers ordered the early release of 25,500 burglars, thieves and drug dealers.
Outlining yesterday's Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill, Justice Minister David Hanson said it was no longer acceptable for women or rent boys to carry the 'label' of prostitution, which dates back to the 1824 Vagrancy Act.
He said that, in future, to receive any punishment at all, their offending must be classed as 'persistent'. This means they must be caught selling sex twice in any three month period.
Even 'persistent' offenders will escape the current fine for a first offence. Instead, they will be ordered to attend three meetings with a supervisor or counsellor, and will be given help to kick addictions to alcohol or drugs.
Only those who fail to turn up will face punishment, of up to 72 hours in custody.
dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=464584&in_page_id=1770
The word 'prostitute' is banned in favour of 'person'
27th June 2007
In a dramatic softening of the law on prostitution, only 'persistent' street offenders will face any police action.
The term 'common prostitute' will be banished from English law. Instead, sex workers must be referred to as 'persons'.
In the final act of the Blair Government, Ministers also announced that tens of thousands of convicts who re-offend will receive softer punishments or escape jail altogether.
It is yet another attempt to reduce prison overcrowding, only days after ministers ordered the early release of 25,500 burglars, thieves and drug dealers.
Outlining yesterday's Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill, Justice Minister David Hanson said it was no longer acceptable for women or rent boys to carry the 'label' of prostitution, which dates back to the 1824 Vagrancy Act.
He said that, in future, to receive any punishment at all, their offending must be classed as 'persistent'. This means they must be caught selling sex twice in any three month period.
Even 'persistent' offenders will escape the current fine for a first offence. Instead, they will be ordered to attend three meetings with a supervisor or counsellor, and will be given help to kick addictions to alcohol or drugs.
Only those who fail to turn up will face punishment, of up to 72 hours in custody.
dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=464584&in_page_id=1770