The House of Commons select committee is considering the Crime and Policing Bill including the following amendments relating to sex work =
and
National Ugly Mugs has published the following guide How to respond to the UK Police and Crime Bill.
The deadline for submitting a response is 13th May 2025.
If you would like to make a submission of written evidence to the committee, please email Yvette Cooper.
On Yvette Cooper's Members and Lords page, it says "When contacting this Member, they should be addressed as Yvette Cooper."
So please begin your email "Dear Yvette Cooper" and then detail in your own words why the Nordic Model is a terrible idea and why full decriminalisation is the most desirable outcome for sex workers.
You will need to sign off your email with something that looks like a real name. eg not "Oz Bigdownunder". They won't ask for any proof of identity, but they will reject your evidence if it's obviously submitted under a pseudonym.
I emailed as follows =
Dear Yvette Cooper,
I would like to make a submission of written evidence to the House of Commons select committee considering the Crime and Policing Bill.
Please don't adopt the Nordic Model in the UK.
I am a male sex worker based in London. I have been a sex worker for over 20 years.
I am one of the moderators on the sexworkers and sexworkersonly subreddits with combined users of around 500,000 people.
If you would like to talk to sex workers about the proposed amendments, I can arrange an AMA (ask me anything) whereby if you have a reddit account, or you register one, you can receive questions and comments from people on the subreddit.
I'm also in group chats for the UK Sex Workers Union and I have a broad and extensive network of friends and colleagues in the industry.
I hear the opinions of hundreds, if not thousands, of sex workers every single day and I've never heard anyone say “I wish it were illegal for my clients to pay me.”
The Crime and Policing Bill currently making its way through Parliament includes a proposal to adopt the Nordic model, a legal approach that criminalises buyers of sex while purporting to protect those who sell it. In reality, this model has consistently resulted in increased harm for sex workers. Evidence from France, Northern Ireland, and Sweden indicates that criminalising clients drives sex work further underground, compromises workers’ ability to screen and reject clients, and heightens exposure to violence. While its stated goal is to reduce exploitation, its actual impact is greater isolation, diminished safety, and deeper stigma for those most at risk.
I also oppose the proposed criminalisation of adult services websites. These platforms provide a crucial safety infrastructure for independent sex workers by allowing them to advertise, set boundaries, screen clients, and work without relying on exploitative third parties. Removing these tools would push many into street-based work or dependency on others, as seen in the United States after the introduction of FOSTA/SESTA. Banning these websites would not prevent exploitation — it would strip away one of the few tools that protects workers’ autonomy and safety.
In addition, I strongly object to proposals that would further restrict or censor legal pornography on moral or ideological grounds. Pornography is a legitimate form of adult expression, labour, and pleasure. Attempts to sanitise or criminalise consensual adult content because some find it uncomfortable undermine freedom of expression, and disproportionately impact marginalised creators, especially LGBTQ+ and disabled performers whose realities often fall outside the mainstream. Ethical adult content should be supported, not silenced.
I urge the Government and the Committee to listen to sex workers and adult industry professionals who are directly impacted by these proposed changes. Full decriminalisation of consensual adult sex work, not further criminalisation or censorship, is the only approach supported by public health and human rights experts worldwide. It is time to move beyond ideology and implement policies grounded in harm reduction, safety, and respect for bodily autonomy.
Key Facts & Supporting Links
1. The Nordic Model increases violence against sex workers
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In France, 63% of sex workers reported worse living conditions after the criminalisation of clients, and 42% reported increased violence.
Source: Médecins du Monde, 2018 – “What do sex workers think about the French Prostitution Act?” -
In Northern Ireland, violence increased after the Nordic Model was implemented, with no significant reduction in demand.
Source: Queen’s University Belfast, 2019 – “Sexual Exploitation and Sex Work Policy and Practice in Northern Ireland”
2. Criminalisation drives sex work underground, reducing access to safety and support
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Fear of arrest makes clients less likely to provide identifying information, undermining screening practices.
Source: Amnesty International – “Sex workers’ rights are human rights” -
Sex workers in criminalised settings report more barriers to reporting violence and abuse.
Source: UNAIDS – “Sex work, HIV and the law”
3. Adult services websites are essential safety tools
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These websites help sex workers screen clients, work independently, and avoid exploitative intermediaries.
Source: Sex Work Research Hub / University of Leicester – “Internet-based sex work” -
In the US, the shutdown of online platforms under FOSTA/SESTA resulted in loss of income, increased violence, and reduced access to safety tools.
Source: Hacking//Hustling – “Erased: The Impact of FOSTA-SESTA” (2020)
4. Full decriminalisation is supported by global human rights and health organisations
Amnesty International, UNAIDS, Human Rights Watch, World Health Organization, and Open Society Foundations all support full decriminalisation.
Sources:
- Amnesty International
- UNAIDS
- Human Rights Watch
- WHO / The New Humanitarian
- Open Society Foundations – “10 Reasons to Decriminalize Sex Work”
5. Decriminalisation improves health, safety, and access to justice
In New Zealand (where sex work is decriminalised), sex workers report increased safety, better relationships with police, and improved working conditions.
Source: New Zealand Ministry of Justice – “Report of the Prostitution Law Review Committee” (2008)
Decriminalisation is associated with reduced rates of HIV transmission, greater access to healthcare, and lower risk of exploitation.
Source: Lancet Series on HIV and Sex Workers (2015)
6. Pornography is a form of expression and should not be censored
Legal adult content is protected by UK law and human rights frameworks, including Article 10 (Freedom of Expression) of the Human Rights Act 1998.
Source: Equality and Human Rights Commission – Freedom of Expression
Attempts to restrict legal pornography disproportionately impact marginalised creators (LGBTQ+, disabled, non-mainstream kink communities).
Source: Woodhull Freedom Foundation – “Sex Work & Free Expression”
On Decriminalisation
Decriminalisation is not radical — it’s evidence-based public policy.
Every major human rights organisation agrees: decriminalisation saves lives.
You can’t support public health and criminalise sex work at the same time.
Decriminalisation gives workers the power to protect themselves.
The evidence is clear — what’s missing is political courage.
On Pornography and Expression
Sexual expression is not a crime.
Not all adult content is for everyone — and that’s exactly why it matters.
Pornography is art, labour, protest, fantasy, and pleasure — all protected forms of expression.
Sanitising porn doesn’t make people safer — it erases identities and realities.
The answer to bad porn isn’t banning porn — it’s creating better conditions to make it right.
On Adult Services Websites
Adult services websites are not the problem — they’re part of the solution.
Shutting down online platforms doesn't reduce harm — it removes safety nets.
The internet is how we screen, negotiate, and say no.
Removing online infrastructure is like pulling the brakes off a moving car.
If you care about exploitation, don’t take away the tools workers use to avoid it.
On the Nordic Model
The Nordic Model punishes clients, but the consequences fall on sex workers.
When clients fear arrest, workers lose control.
Screening clients is the first line of defence — the Nordic Model takes that away.
If the goal is safety, the Nordic Model fails on every front.
Sex workers shouldn't have to choose between rent and safety.
General Opposition
You can’t protect sex workers by making their work more dangerous.
Criminalisation doesn’t end sex work — it just ends safety.
Policy based on ideology will never solve problems rooted in inequality.
If the law can’t tell the difference between violence and consensual work, the law needs to change.
Stigma kills — and criminalisation is state-sponsored stigma.
Revolting Prostitutes is a thought-provoking book that tackles the complex subject of sex work with an impressive blend of scholarship and activism. Written by Juno Mac and Molly Smith, this book offers a fresh perspective on the issues surrounding sex work, challenging societal norms and advocating for the rights and dignity of sex workers.
One of the most commendable aspects of "Revolting Prostitutes" is its unapologetic commitment to centering the voices and experiences of sex workers themselves. The authors give agency to individuals often marginalized and stigmatized, allowing their stories and perspectives to shape the narrative. This approach humanizes sex workers and underscores the importance of listening to their lived experiences.
The book is meticulously researched, drawing from a wide range of academic sources, policy documents, and interviews with sex workers. It provides a comprehensive overview of the legal, social, and economic aspects of sex work, making it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the nuances of this multifaceted issue.
Furthermore, "Revolting Prostitutes" challenges prevailing moralistic and paternalistic attitudes towards sex work, advocating for the decriminalization of sex work as a means to empower sex workers, improve their working conditions, and reduce the harm they face. The authors make a compelling case for the need to prioritize harm reduction and labour rights over criminalization.
The writing style is engaging and accessible. Anyone can learn from this whether they be academics, activists, policymakers, or the general public.
The book succeeds in presenting complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner, fostering greater public awareness and dialogue on this important topic.
In conclusion, "Revolting Prostitutes" is an enlightening work that challenges societal norms and misconceptions about sex work. By giving a voice to sex workers, it provides a valuable perspective on issues that deserves thoughtful consideration. This book is an essential read for sex workers, clients and anyone interested in social justice, human rights, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
I asked Google Bard what I thinks about decriminalisation of sex work.
Here's it's response =
Those who argue against criminalisation point out that sex work is a form of work, and that workers should have the same rights and protections as other workers. They also argue that criminalisation does not actually stop sex work, but instead drives it underground, where it is more dangerous for workers.
There is a growing body of evidence that supports the argument that decriminalisation is the best way to protect sex workers. For example, a study by the World Health Organization found that countries with decriminalised sex work had lower rates of HIV infection among sex workers than countries where sex work was criminalised.
Another study, by the International Labour Organization, found that decriminalisation was associated with improved working conditions for sex workers, including increased access to health care and social services.
Of course, there are still risks associated with sex work, even in a decriminalised setting. However, these risks can be mitigated through education, outreach, and regulation.
Overall, the evidence suggests that decriminalisation is the best way to protect sex workers and their rights. It is a complex issue, but one that deserves serious consideration.
Here are some specific reasons why sex work should be decriminalised:
Decriminalisation would protect sex workers from violence and exploitation. When sex work is criminalized, sex workers are less likely to report violence or exploitation to the police, for fear of being arrested themselves. This leaves them vulnerable to abuse from clients, pimps, and other criminals. decriminalisation would allow sex workers to report crimes without fear of reprisal, and would make it easier for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute those who commit violence against sex workers.
Decriminalisation would improve the health and safety of sex workers. When sex work is criminalized, sex workers are less likely to have access to health care and other services. They are also more likely to engage in risky sexual practices, such as unprotected sex, in order to avoid arrest. decriminalisation would allow sex workers to access health care and other services without fear of arrest, and would help to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Decriminalisation would reduce stigma and discrimination against sex workers. When sex work is criminalized, it reinforces the stigma and discrimination that sex workers already face. This can make it difficult for sex workers to access housing, employment, and other essential services. decriminalisation would help to reduce stigma and discrimination against sex workers, and would make it easier for them to live their lives with dignity and respect.
Of course, there are still some who oppose the decriminalisation of sex work. However, the evidence suggests that decriminalisation is the best way to protect sex workers and their rights. It is a complex issue, but one that deserves serious consideration.
Yes!
Almost all sex worker organizations around the world favour the decriminalization of sex work, and have that goal as a primary objective.
Here is a list of sex worker organizations.
For example Global Network of Sex Work Projects, English Collective of Prostitutes and SWARM Collective.
One thing Chat GPT didn't mention was the reasons why legalisation and the so called Nordic Model are inferior to full decriminalisation.
So I asked Bing AI to clarify =
According to Human Rights Watch, full decriminalisation is a more effective approach to protecting sex workers’ rights than the Nordic model because research shows that it is more effective in reducing violence and exploitation against sex workers1. Decriminalisation of sex work means that sex workers are no longer breaking the law by carrying out sex work. They are not forced to live outside the law and there is better scope for their human rights to be protected2. If sex work is legalised, it means that the state makes very specific laws and policies that formally regulate sex work2.
That's also pretty good. Simplistic but it has the right idea.
Last but not least, I asked Chat GPT what it thinks about discrimination against sex workers on social media.
Here's it's take =
Discrimination against sex workers on social media is a distressing issue that has garnered significant attention in recent years. Sex workers face stigmatization and prejudice both online and offline, and social media platforms have become an additional battleground where this discrimination often plays out.
One of the key challenges faced by sex workers on social media is the prevalence of policies that explicitly or implicitly target and censor their content. Major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have implemented strict community guidelines that prohibit the promotion of sexual services, adult content, or anything that may be deemed "sexually explicit." While these policies are intended to prevent exploitation and protect users, they often result in the silencing and exclusion of sex workers from these platforms.
The enforcement of these policies is often inconsistent and arbitrary, with sex workers experiencing disproportionately harsh penalties and content removals compared to other users. Their accounts may be suspended or permanently banned, leading to the loss of their online presence, connections, and income streams. Moreover, these policies drive sex workers to adopt alternative platforms that may have fewer user protections or pose other risks.
Another form of discrimination against sex workers on social media manifests in the negative portrayal and harmful stereotypes perpetuated by users and media outlets. Sex workers are frequently subjected to derogatory comments, harassment, and cyberbullying. They may face personal attacks, threats, and doxing, which can have severe emotional and psychological consequences. Moreover, the public shaming and dehumanization of sex workers perpetuate societal biases and hinder efforts to improve their safety, health, and overall well-being.
Furthermore, algorithms used by social media platforms can amplify existing biases and further marginalize sex workers. These algorithms are designed to prioritize content based on user engagement, often favouring posts that generate more likes, shares, or comments. However, this can lead to a situation where positive and supportive content related to sex work is suppressed, while negative and judgmental content gains more visibility. Consequently, sex workers find it challenging to share their experiences, advocate for their rights, and build supportive communities online.
Addressing discrimination against sex workers on social media requires a multi-faceted approach. It starts with revisiting platform policies and guidelines to ensure they do not disproportionately target sex workers. Platforms should actively engage with sex worker-led organizations and advocacy groups to develop more inclusive and fair policies that consider the diverse experiences and needs of this community.
Education and awareness campaigns are also essential in combating stigma and challenging harmful stereotypes. These efforts should emphasize the human rights and labour rights of sex workers, dispel misconceptions, and encourage empathy and understanding.
Social media platforms must invest in training their content moderators to approach sex work-related content with sensitivity and fairness. They should adopt transparent and accessible appeals processes to rectify content removal mistakes or unfair account suspensions.
Lastly, users themselves need to actively participate in creating a more inclusive and supportive online environment. This involves confronting their own biases, challenging harmful narratives, and standing up against harassment and discrimination targeting sex workers.
By working collectively, we can strive for a more equitable and just digital space that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals, including sex workers.
High five Chat GPT!
For more information re discrimination against sex workers on social media, I recommend reading The ‘Mommy Goddess’ and the Mass Reporting of Sex Workers on Instagram by Olivia Snow for Jezebel.
The Free Speech Coalition does a lot of excellent work protecting the rights and freedoms of adult industry professionals.
I own three twitter accounts and one instagram and they're all shadowbanned.
For example my Sex Worker Search Twitter account, is utterly useless as per the Shadowban test.
Only my own followers can find my accounts and my tweets. Nothing I've posted appears in search or under location tags. Even typing my usernames into the search field doesn't show my accounts. This is all pretty normal for sex workers.
I have resorted in the past to using this chrome plugin to delete all my posts, retweets and likes, then deleted my profile pic, background, bio and everything else leaving a pristine, blank profile with nothing there. The idea is to logout of twitter and not login again for a month or so. I've done this a few times and it has temporarily gotten rid of shadowbans but I just keep getting shadowbanned again and again.
I used to have a twitter account with over 100,000 followers and got banned with no warning, no explanation and no access to a human to consider an appeal.
Fuck social media. The only reason I don't just delete them all is because having the little social media icons on my website leading to accounts where I post reasonably regularly is expected and for some clients is part of the reason they choose to meet me.
Maybe if sex work gets decriminalised in the USA the situation with social media might improve. We'd be less likely to get outright banned then. I suspect shadowbans would still happen since there's still the fact that the companies spending money on ad space don't want their ads to appear next to sex workers.
I hate the idea of compulsory age gating but it seems that's the way things are headed. One side effect could be that these social media giants could know which of their users are adults who want to see adult content and then there would be no need for shadowbans. There's still no way I'm giving my ID documents to them and just hoping they don't sell them to advertisers or hand them over to the feds.
I think the best social media is a blog page on your own personal website and then if people want to experience that like a twitter or instagram feed, they can add your blog and the blogs of all the sex workers they want to follow to a privacy oriented open source rss feed reader so they can view a list of the headlines of all the new blog posts of all the sex workers they like as they are posted with no bans, no shadowbans and complete control of the content in the hands of the sex workers.
On my to do list is to go through all the independent sex worker sites currently indexed here on Sex Worker Search and tag each site that has a blog page with the word "blog" so that people can type in search terms to find sex worker blogs to add to their RSS feeds.
In doing so I'm happy to give the middle finger to Elon Musk and his ilk. I doubt the hegemon of twitter will ever man up and make a clear cut decision regarding who's welcome and who isn't. Why cant twitter just be transparent about their own terms? Why can't they enforce consistently? What's the point of sneaky shadowbanning and banning with no warning, no explanation and no recourse for the consideration of human customer service?
Also, can we just fire all the politicians and replace them with Chat GPT, Bing AI and Google Bard? I for one welcome our new machine overlords.