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UK to Slap Johns With Rape

Crackdown targets those who deal with trafficked prostitutes

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 19, 2008 11:18 AM CST

(Newser) – Lay a finger on a trafficked sex worker, and the Brits will slap you with rape and toss you in the clink, reports the BBC. New laws will make it a criminal offense in England and Wales to pay for sex with prostitutes controlled by pimps, as Britain's Home secretary pushes for a crackdown on trafficking women. Exchanging money for sex remains legal, but not so street walking and running a brothel, the BBC reports.

"Men should think twice about paying for sex," said Home Secretary Jacqui Smith. "The reason they should do that is actually the majority of women don't want to be involved in prostitution. Trafficked women don't have a choice, men do."

Britain's Home Secretary Jacqui Smith spearheaded the campaign for new laws. She says the government considered banning paying for sex entirely, but found no public support for that.
Britain's Home Secretary Jacqui Smith spearheaded the campaign for new laws. She says the government considered banning paying for sex entirely, but found no public support for that.   (AP Photo/PA)
The British government is working closely with the police in planning how to enforce the new laws governing prostitution.
The British government is working closely with the police in planning how to enforce the new laws governing prostitution.   (AP Photo / Lefteris Pitarakis)
A prostitute waits for clients at a street , in Abaetetuba, Para state, Brazil, May 10, 2008.
A prostitute waits for clients at a street , in Abaetetuba, Para state, Brazil, May 10, 2008.   (AP Photo/Renato Chalu)
A prostitute waits for clients in an abandoned building in Cite Soleil, Port-au-Prince, Thursday, June 26, 2008.
A prostitute waits for clients in an abandoned building in Cite Soleil, Port-au-Prince, Thursday, June 26, 2008.   (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)
A prostitute sits on a bedroom with her face covered.
A prostitute sits on a bedroom with her face covered.   (AP Photo/Karel Navarro)
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My proposal is that men should think twice about paying for sex. - Jacqui Smith, Britain's Home Secretary, telling BBC4 Radio why she started legislation that includes rape charges for men unknowingly patronizing trafficked prostitutes

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Shannonals
Nov 20, 2008 1:19 AM CST
prostitution has been around as long as man has walked the surface of this planet. What the governemtns should be doing is going after the trafficers selling women into prostitution
Guest
Nov 19, 2008 9:30 PM CST
What?
Guest
Nov 19, 2008 1:03 AM CST
The US should do the same . It is about time someone stood up for people who don't or can't vote for them. This is a no brainier , This is a law against buying a slave even if it is for a short time it is the purchase of a slave. The result of this vote will show what kind of socioety we wan't. Please take the lead and maby the US will stop slavery of women (mostly) and children. No buyers and there will be no sellers.

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