FANTASTIC NEW - Clause 14

Protecting trafficked women

Our Clause 14 Campaign is an opportunity to unite and let the government know how we feel about the laws being made in the UK.

About Clause 14

Clause 14 is part of the Policing and Crime Bill that is currently going through the House of Lords.

The clause would make it illegal to pay for sex with someone who is subjected to force, deception, coercion or threats (i.e. someone who has been trafficked or is being controlled under similar circumstances). Clause 14 is a strict liability offence meaning that proof someone had knowledge the victim concerned was being exploited is not needed. Sleeping with a trafficked woman would be a criminal offence, whether or not the man knew. It challenges the misconception that prostitution is a matter of choice for women and would help protect vulnerable people.

The story so far

The Policing and Crime Bill completed its passage through the House of Commons on 19th May. Amendments to remove the strict liability element were proposed but thankfully these were defeated.

The Bill is now making its way through the House of Lords.

So far Clause 14 has received much criticism with Peers speaking against the strict liability element and asking for it to be amended or removed completely. The strict liability element is vital in gaining successful prosecutions. In Finland a similar law was passed in 2006 without the strict liability element. Evidence must show the person in question knew the woman was being exploited by a trafficker or pimp and only two convictions have been achieved so far.

We need to campaign to make sure that Clause 14 becomes law and remains a strict liability offence. This is the best way to protect women who have been forced into the sex trade. In October the Lords will vote on the clause at the report stage and this will be a critical phase for the campaign.

What can you do?

We want as many people as possible to write to the House of Lords in support of Clause 14. Tell your friends, your church and encourage others to join us in this campaign.

It is likely to be for debate around the 3rd-5th of November. We have a real opportunity to speak up on behalf of those who can't, and make a difference by contacting the House of Lords and asking them to support Clause 14 in it's current form without amendment.

You can write to any Peer at The House of Lords, SW1A 0PW. Alternatively you can find the name of a Lord or Baroness and send an email by visiting www.writetothem.com/lords and typing in your birthday or the area where you live.

Please click below for our example letter. Don't forget to personalise it by adding in some information about yourself.

Commit to praying regularly about Clause 14 in the run up to the report stage in October. Ask God to move the hearts of those able to make decisions and vote to keep Clause 14 and the strict liability element that will protect trafficked women.

Think creatively about raising awareness of Clause 14. Perhaps you could record a video blog to put on Facebook or You Tube, or arrange an event to attract local media interest in the campaign.

If Clause 14 becomes law it will have a great impact in protecting trafficked women in the UK. Please do everything you can to help bring a successful outcome to this campaign. Together let’s stand up for the rights of trafficked people and seek justice.