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
UK to Slap Johns With Rape
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)

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." (More Britain stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X