The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Press Release

Action on Exploitation with Support for New Prostitution Bill

For Immediate Release
28 January 2026

Bishops’ Conference Calls for Action on Exploitation with Support for New Prostitution Bill

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has written to the First Minister of Scotland to express the Church’s support for the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill, currently before the Scottish Parliament.

In the letter, the Bishops’ Conference describes the Bill, tabled by independent MSP, Ash Regan, as “a vital step toward protecting some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society and addressing the systemic harms associated with prostitution in Scotland.”

Protecting Victims and Challenging Demand

The Bill’s central purpose—to reduce prostitution and tackle exploitation, coercion, and harm—is described as both compelling and necessary.

It proposes a new offence for the purchase of sexual acts, while repealing outdated laws that historically penalised those who were themselves victims. The Bill would also quash previous convictions under section 46 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, removing what Bishop Keenan calls a “significant barrier” to rebuilding lives.

The Bishops’ Conference supports the Bill’s adoption of a “challenging demand” model, shifting criminal responsibility away from individuals exploited through prostitution—overwhelmingly women and girls—and onto the buyers who fuel the commercial sex market. This model reflects international best practice and aligns with Scotland’s wider commitments to tackling violence against women and girls.

Addressing Vulnerability and Trauma

The letter highlights the deep vulnerabilities that underpin involvement in prostitution. Many affected individuals have experienced childhood abuse, care experience, grooming, and trauma, with young people—particularly those leaving care—at high risk of exploitation. Technology has intensified these risks, expanding opportunities for manipulation.

Human Trafficking Concerns

The Bishops’ Conference also emphasises the Bill’s relevance to combatting human trafficking for sexual exploitation, a significant and documented issue in Scotland. International evidence links reductions in trafficking to demand‑reduction legislation. Bishop Brian McGee, Vice‑President of the Bishops’ Conference, has contributed insight from his work with the Santa Marta Group, an international alliance dedicated to ending human trafficking. He believes the Bill reflects “the realities identified by trafficked people, law enforcement, and Church agencies around the world.”

Right to Support

A key component of the proposed legislation is the creation of a statutory right to support for anyone currently or previously involved in prostitution. This includes access to accommodation, financial aid, healthcare, and counselling—supports deemed essential for enabling safe and sustainable exits from prostitution.

Call for Political Leadership

Acknowledging differing political opinions, and expecting Parliament to provide considerable scrutiny from which the Bill can benefit, the letter urges the Scottish Government to show leadership by backing the Bill, underscoring its potential to protect vulnerable women and girls, prevent trafficking, and advance equality.

ENDS

Contact:
Media Office

Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
64 Aitken Street, ML6 6LT
Tel: 01236 764061
Email: [email protected]

< READ LETTER

The Roman Catholic Bishops in Scotland work together to undertake nationwide initiatives through their Commissions and Agencies.

The members of the Bishops' Conference are the Bishops of the eight Scottish Dioceses. Where appropriate the Bishops Emeriti (retired) provide a much welcomed contribution to the work of the conference. The Bishops' Conference of Scotland is a permanently constituted assembly which meets regularly throughout the year to address relevant business matters.

Members of The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

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News from the Commissions and Agencies

Archive by tag: Bishops' Conference of ScotlandReturn

January 2026

16Jan

Gospel of the day (Mark 2:1-12)

16 Jan, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel of the day (Mark 2:1-12)

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralysed man carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralysed man lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralysed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, ‘Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, ‘Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralysed man, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Rise, take up your bed and walk”? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’ — he said to the paralysed man — ‘I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.’ And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We never saw anything like this!’

15Jan

Gospel of the day (Mark 1:40-45)

15 Jan, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel of the day (Mark 1:40-45)

At that time: A leper came to Jesus, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, ‘If you will, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, ‘I will; be clean.’ And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, and said to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.’ But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.

14Jan

Today, Pope Leo XIV was presented with the round mosaic bearing his official papal portrait — the 267th papal image to take its ...

14 Jan, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Today, Pope Leo XIV was presented with the round mosaic bearing his official papal portrait — the 267th papal image to take its place in the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls.

The papal mosaics of the basilica form a unique visual history of the Church, with portraits of every pope from St Peter to the present day lining the upper walls of the nave. Together, they serve as a powerful reminder of apostolic succession and the continuity of the Petrine ministry across the centuries.

The mosaic, which will be installed at the end of the right nave of the basilica, is made up of more than 15,000 tiles, including some dating back to the 1800s. At the conclusion of the presentation, the Holy Father invited all those present to pause with him in prayer before the image.

14Jan

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

14 Jan, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

As households across Scotland continue to feel the pressure of rising costs, many people may be missing out on financial support they are entitled to.

Social Security Scotland delivers 17 different payments supporting families on low incomes, disabled people, pensioners, unpaid carers, and young people starting work. Support is also available for heating costs and funeral expenses.

This includes:
• Scottish Child Payment (£27.15 per week per child)
• Disability Payments (up to £110.40 per week for those aged 66+)
• Carer Support Payment (£83.30 per week)
• Job Start Payment (£319.80 one-off payment)

Advice Direct Scotland warns that millions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed each year.

You can check your eligibility for free at benefits.advice.scot or call 0808 800 9060.

Taking a few minutes to check could make a real difference.

14Jan

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the death of Bishop Vincent Logan (†14 January 2021), Emeritus Bishop of Dunkeld

14 Jan, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the death of Bishop Vincent Logan (†14 January 2021), Emeritus Bishop of Dunkeld.

Bishop Vincent served the Diocese of Dunkeld for almost 32 years, from his appointment in 1981 until his retirement in 2012. Appointed by Pope John Paul II, he gave decades of generous and energetic service to the people of the diocese and to the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, where his work was widely valued and appreciated.

His later years were marked by ill health, borne with quiet dignity and faith. He died during the Covid pandemic, just one day after his close friend and brother bishop, Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, alongside whom he had served for many years.

On this anniversary, we remember Bishop Vincent with gratitude for his long priestly and episcopal ministry, his commitment to Catholic education and catechesis, and his faithful service to the Church in Scotland. We commend him to the mercy of God and pray for the repose of his soul, and for all who mourn him.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.

14Jan

Gospel of the day (Mark 1:29-39)

14 Jan, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel of the day (Mark 1:29-39)

At that time: Jesus left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, ‘Everyone is looking for you.’ And he said to them, ‘Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is what I came for.’ And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

13Jan

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the death of Archbishop Philip Tartaglia (†13 January 2021)

13 Jan, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the death of Archbishop Philip Tartaglia (†13 January 2021).

In his homily at the Requiem Mass, Bishop Hugh Gilbert offered an image that has stayed with many:

“A tree felled unexpectedly in the middle of the night… an uprooting that has changed the landscapes of so many lives.”

Five years on, that image continues to resonate. In the days and years since his death, many have come to see the depth of his roots, the shelter he gave, and the quiet strength on which so many relied. Bishop Hugh spoke of “the sound timber” of his life, a man of integrity, warmth and faith.

Today we give thanks for Archbishop Philip’s life and ministry, for his love of Christ and the Church, and for his faithful service to the people and the Church in Scotland. We commend him to God’s mercy.

“The great tree goes into the earth as a seed… Man’s winter, God’s spring.”

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.

13Jan

Saint Kentigern, also known as Saint Mungo, was a sixth century bishop and missionary who played a central role in the early Chr...

13 Jan, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Saint Kentigern, also known as Saint Mungo, was a sixth century bishop and missionary who played a central role in the early Christian history of western Scotland. Born around the year 518, he was educated in the Christian faith and eventually became bishop of Strathclyde, with his ministry centred on the Clyde valley.

His episcopate was marked by political instability and opposition, leading at one point to exile in Wales. There he continued his missionary work before later returning to Strathclyde, where he resumed his pastoral care and strengthened the Church among the Brittonic peoples of the region.

Saint Kentigern is traditionally credited with establishing a Christian settlement on the site of present day Glasgow, which grew into an important centre of worship and learning. His preaching, discipline and commitment to the faith helped lay lasting foundations for Christianity in Scotland.

He died around 612 and was venerated as a saint shortly after his death. His memory remains closely linked to the city of Glasgow, whose Christian heritage is inseparable from his life and mission.

13Jan

Gospel of the day (Luke 5:1-11)

13 Jan, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel of the day (Luke 5:1-11)

At that time: The crowd was pressing in on Jesus to hear the word of God. He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.’ And Simon answered, ‘Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.’ And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.’ For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.’ And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

12Jan

Pope Leo Warns of Global Drift Toward Conflict, Urges Renewal of Dialogue and Human Dignity

12 Jan, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Pope Leo Warns of Global Drift Toward Conflict, Urges Renewal of Dialogue and Human Dignity

Vatican City, January 9, 2026 — In an extensive address to the Diplomatic Corps in Rome, Pope Leo XIV invoked the enduring wisdom of Saint Augustine’s City of God to frame today’s geopolitical and ethical challenges. Drawing parallels between the collapse of Rome in 410 AD and current global instability, the Pope warned that pride and self-interest—what Augustine termed amor sui—continue to fuel division and violence.

The Pontiff lamented the erosion of multilateral diplomacy, noting that “war is back in vogue” and that peace is increasingly pursued through weapons rather than dialogue. He called this trend a grave threat to the rule of law and international order. “Peace is no longer sought as a gift and a desirable good in itself,” he said, urging nations to recommit to the principles that inspired the United Nations after World War II.

Pope Leo XIV highlighted humanitarian law as a non-negotiable safeguard, condemning attacks on civilians and essential infrastructure. He warned that violations of human dignity—whether through war crimes, persecution, or ideological coercion—signal a dangerous “short circuit” in the global human rights framework.

The address also touched on cultural and moral concerns, including the weakening of language and freedom of expression. The Pope criticised the rise of “Orwellian-style” discourse that excludes dissenting voices and reaffirmed the importance of conscientious objection and religious liberty, which he called “the first of all human rights.” He expressed alarm at growing restrictions on these freedoms and the persecution of Christians, which affects over 380 million believers worldwide.

He emphasised that exercising conscientious objection —such as refusing military service or declining to perform abortions or euthanasia—is not an act of rebellion but a commitment to personal integrity. This right, he said, balances collective interests with individual dignity and safeguards diversity against authoritarian tendencies.

Turning to social issues, the Pope defended the sanctity of life and the family, strongly rejecting practices such as abortion and surrogacy, and advocating for policies that support mothers, families, and vulnerable individuals. He also called for global efforts to combat drug addiction and abolish the death penalty.

Despite the sobering tone, Pope Leo XIV offered hope, citing recent peace initiatives in Bosnia and the South Caucasus as “seeds of peace that need to be cultivated.” He concluded with a call for humility and courage in peace-making: “A humble and peace-loving heart is what I wish for each of us and for all who dwell in our countries at the beginning of this New Year.”

Image: Associated Press/Alamy Stock Photo