Faith
Scottish Christians Support Ban on Sex Buying
Faith Facts
- Scottish Christians and charities support a bill to make buying sex illegal.
- The Unbuyable Bill includes new support for women leaving prostitution.
- Key Christian voices highlight the bill as a stand against exploitation.
Faith groups across Scotland are backing a proposed law that would make it a crime to purchase sex, aiming to uphold dignity and protect vulnerable women. This initiative, known as the Unbuyable Bill, shifts the legal focus from those selling sex to those buying it and offers help to those seeking a way out.
The Scottish National Party adopted support for this policy in 2017, but it has not yet been enacted. The effort to criminalize buying sex now has new momentum thanks to Independent MSP Ash Regan’s leadership.
Anti-trafficking charity Restore Glasgow, CARE for Scotland, and the Evangelical Alliance are leading Christian support for the legislation.
“The Scottish Government’s Equally Safe strategy states that the definition of violence against women and girls includes commercial sexual exploitation, including prostitution, lap dancing, stripping and pornography.”
Christian leaders assert that current laws do not match these policy commitments, allowing cycles of exploitation and lasting harm to women and girls to continue.
CARE for Scotland emphasized that inaction is unacceptable and called for immediate protection for those at highest risk.
“It would be a genuine tragedy if yet another parliamentary session was to conclude without any definite action to criminalise this recognised form of violence against women and girls,” Stuart Weir of CARE for Scotland warned.
Restore Glasgow believes that passing this bill would be a strong step toward ending human trafficking and the exploitation of women in Scotland.
“It’s time for Scotland to speak up for the unseen, voiceless victims of the sex trade,” said Karen Miller of Restore Glasgow.
Scottish Christians are urging lawmakers to stand up for biblical justice, protect the vulnerable, and oppose the commodification of God’s creation. Stand for faith, family, and freedom by praying for bold legislative action in Scotland.
Faith Facts
- Three-quarters of girls and young women aged 7 to 21 have experienced online harm, with cases of sextortion rising by 2,600% in 2024.
- The UK’s Online Safety Act recognizes online threats to young people as ‘Primary Priority,’ but enforcement remains challenging.
- Christian communities are called to provide safe, supportive spaces and cultivate biblical truth and discernment in young lives.
The internet shapes the lives of nearly all young people, providing opportunities but also exposing them to unique dangers. Girls and young women face particular risks, from online abuse to harmful role models that can erode self-worth.
As Christian leaders, it is vital to confront digital misogyny and reject values that contradict God’s design for human dignity. We are called to respond with moral clarity and courage, standing firm for truth.
Education anchored in biblical wisdom offers protection, teaching youth to discern what is real and valuable in God’s sight. Programmes like ‘Staying Safe in the Digital World’ equip girls with practical tools and spiritual strength.
Effective legislation is needed to hold tech companies accountable and protect the most vulnerable. Discussion about these challenges within faith communities ensures young people know they are not alone and have trustworthy adults to turn to.
Trusted adults—whether parents, teachers, or Christian volunteers—must be visible advocates, offering both guidance and protection. Children and teens need opportunities to discuss online challenges openly and access support when needed.
While practical steps like limiting screen time are important, true safety stems from a blend of spiritual discipleship and digital awareness. Our actions should point to a lifestyle of wholesome relationships and faith-filled living, not just restriction.
We must model healthy habits, prioritizing time with family, faith, and activities that nourish the soul. The digital age demands active stewardship, rooted in our biblical calling to protect, love, and guide every child.
Now is the time for Christians to lead, championing online safety and Kingdom values for girls and young women—and shining as a light in the darkness of the digital world.
Faith Facts
- More than 200 celebrities, including Mark Ruffalo and Benedict Cumberbatch, signed a petition urging the release of convicted terrorist Marwan Barghouti.
- Barghouti, linked to the Fatah terrorist group, was convicted of orchestrating attacks resulting in the deaths of Israeli civilians.
- Christian leaders criticized the celebrities for supporting Barghouti, calling attention to the moral implications of their actions.
Christian values call us to remember the sanctity of life and the importance of standing with victims of violence rather than those who promote terror. These public figures’ actions raise important questions about our nation’s moral compass and the need to uphold biblical justice.
“Barghouti was convicted of five murders. That’s bad enough, but he also led one terrorist organization and co-founded a second, responsible for incalculable human suffering,” said Liora Rez, StopAntisemitism founder and executive director.
We must remain steadfast in upholding truth and defending innocent lives, rejecting the glorification of those who inflict suffering. Let us pray for discernment and courage to stand for righteousness, no matter how popular the opposition may be.
Faith Facts
- The House of Bishops paused standalone same-sex blessing services, citing constitutional and theological concerns.
- Current guidelines still allow ‘Prayers of Love and Faith’ in existing church services.
- The decision follows legal advice warning changes must follow proper Church governance.
The Bishop of Winchester, Philip Mounstephen, emphasized the importance of adhering to Biblical doctrine and church law in considering changes to marriage teachings.
He addressed the Winchester Diocesan Synod, affirming that upholding God’s design for marriage preserves unity and integrity within the Church of England.
“The sheer constitutional difficulty of making such changes brought us face to face with the importance of due process,” Bishop Mounstephen stated.
The bishops’ consensus to pause reflects a commitment to protect the Church’s foundation and honor scriptural values before adjusting any practices.
He warned against circumventing established governance, highlighting that such shortcuts undermine trust and stability in the church community.
Rev Canon John Dunnett, representing evangelical Anglicans, also expressed ongoing concern about the direction of these issues, underlining the need for vigilance in preserving Christian doctrine.
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