The regulation of prostitution in england lasted until 1546, when a fear that brothels were contributing to the spread of syphilis resulted in henry viii issuing a royal proclamation. It cannot be committed if the “other person” was already a prostitute either in the uk or abroad. Sexual offences act 2003, cross heading
More British people support sex-work law reform than are against it
Prostitution is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 20 june 2025
There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date
Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Prostitution laws in the uk have been the subject of much debate in recent years, with a growing recognition of the vulnerability of those involved in the sex trade and the need to protect them from coercion, violence, and exploitation While exchanging sex for money is not a criminal offence, many activities surrounding prostitution are illegal, including managing a brothel, soliciting in. This rights sheet aims to ensure that sex workers, no matter where we work, know the law, how to protect ourselves from arrest, how to defend ourselves if charged, and where to get help
Also, by making public how harsh and unjust the laws are and how they undermine our safety we hope to build support for the decriminalisation of prostitution. The offence requires control or influence over the other person and that the offender contemplated or desired that the act would ensue This offence is aimed at individuals who cause prostitution through some form of “fraud or persuasion”
