Lap Dancing – Amendment 516
On 13 April 2010, the Justice Committee from the Scottish Parliament decided to issue a call for evidence for amendment 516 which equates lap dancing with sex shops. The text of the amendment can be found here: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/justice/inquiries/CriminalJusticeandLicensing/amdt516.pdf
The amendment was put forward by Sandra White MSP (SNP) for Glasgow. The amendment is one of several hundred put forward to the Criminal Justice and Licensing Bill [ http://www.opsi.gov.uk/RevisedStatutes/Acts/ukpga/1982/cukpga_19820045_en_6#pt3-l1g46 ] of control of sex shops. The original act states that local authorities can decide how many sex shops can be in their authority and that the potential sex shops must advertise their intention to apply for a license. The effect that this has had is that some local authorities reject all applications for a sex shop license. In Glasgow, for example, the guidance notes for sex shop applications reads:
Be advised that, in the past, applications for a sex shop licence have been refused on
the grounds that the committee felt that the number of sex shops for the locality (ie.
Glasgow) should be nil.
[ http://www.glasgow.govuk/en/Business/Licences/Trading/sexshoplicensing2.htm]
Evidence taking closed on 27 April 2010 (but it’s never too late to write to the Justice Committee or your MSP!). CAAN was able to inform the proprietors of some of the lap dancing clubs in Scotland, and one even submitted evidence opposing the law. So far, 21 submissions have been received. Most of the submissions support the statement, though some only say call lap dancing “commercial sexual exploitation” and one even referenced the much derided Lilith Report. (Guardian retraction of the Lilith Report http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2009/jan/12/corrections) A number of theatre groups wrote in expressing concern that this amendment would extend to nudity in theatre and performing arts.
CAAN’s main concern is that lap dancing, like prostitution, as a sexual activity conducted between two consenting adults should not be regulated by the government any differently than any other form of employment. We also expressed concern that the amendment would apply to fetish clubs, professional dominatrixes, and all other manner of erotic activities between consenting adults.
The Justice Committee discussed the amendment will be on 11 May 2010 and the decision was made to defer the amendment. (Yay!) The committee felt the law as it stood was too unclear as it would affect theatre and (thanks to one submission) prostitutes as well. Sandra White will re-introduce the matter in Stage 3. (Boo!) It will be interesting to see what she comes up with. Her particular lack of concern for fetish clubs and professional dominatrixes was disconcerting.
Lap dancing clubs in Scotland are banding together both to fight this. Stay tuned!