The Communist Party welcomes the TUC Women’s Conference vote to uphold women’s rights and reject proposals for full decriminalisation of prostitution.
The Communist Party welcomes the clear decision by the TUC’s 2025 Women’s Conference in London this week to reject two motions supporting full decriminalisation of prostitution. Demands for decriminalisation of so-called ‘sex work’ are a political sleight of hand to normalise the sexual exploitation and abuse of women and girls.
The Communist Party’s policy is clear. We reject the notion that prostitution constitutes ‘sex work’. We believe that initiatives for full decriminalization of prostitution originate with those seeking to profit from the abuse and exploitation of (mostly) women and girls.
Levels of violence against women and girls in Britain are now defined as at epidemic levels. Communists believe that any normalisation of prostitution in our society will feed this proliferation of violence against women and girls and sustain acceptance of it as ‘natural’ and ‘normal’.
As Communists, we support the Nordic model, which calls for the decriminalisation of prostituted women (sellers of sex), not of the buyers, their clients, pimps or brothel keepers. This evidence-based model including services to support those in prostitution to help them build a new life outside it ensures the most favourable outcomes for those trapped in prostitution. We call on all trade unionists who support workers’ and women’s rights and equality to back the Nordic model as best practice solution to address the scourge of prostitution.
The Communist Party is proud of the work of communists in developing a united front of women trade unionists and women’s organisations to defend the rights of women and girls against the harmful policy proposals such as those for full decriminalisation of prostitution.
We are committed to supporting women across the labour and trade union movement to challenge misogynistic attitudes and ideas that are harmful to women. Campaigning for the Nordic model is a key strand in our industrial work and political strategy to support women and girls.
Solidarity with all our comrades and sisters on International Women’s Day!
Chair, Ruth Styles
Women’s Organiser, Carol Stavris
Industrial Organiser, Alex Gordon
END.
For further information or to arrange an interview contact Johnnie Hunter, Communications Director, johnniehunter@communistparty.org.uk.
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