Sexual Exploitation Bill Private Members’ Bill (under the Ten Minute Rule) (2020)
In December 2020, Diana Johnson MP introduced a Ten-Minute Rule motion which aimed to criminalise the purchase of sex and target online sites where sex workers advertise.
With members of its Safety First Coalition, including trade unionists, women’s and human rights organisations, the ECP briefed MPs against the motion. thousands of people wrote to their MP with a template letter from SWARM (Sex Worker Advocacy and Resistance Movement).
Lyn Brown MP spoke compellingly against the Bill including how this legislation in countries where it has been introduced, has failed to reduce trafficking, has led to an increase in violence against sex workers and has made it harder for women to report crimes against them to the police.
Fortunately, in January 2021 the bill fell!