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Dear Sir I nd it very hard to read and take seriously the words of Dr Graham Ellison in his Opinion piece

The prostitution proposal needs kicked to the kerb (15/10). Dr Ellison seems to be of the opinion that Lord Morrows Human Trafcking and Exploitation Bill should be shelved because the numbers of victims are too low, and in fact hints that the individuals involved in the sex trade are, in the majority, there because it is their lifestyle choice. I wonder would Dr Ellison have been among the likes of Captain Edwards in 1788 claiming that nine out of ten slaves snatched from their homes rejoiced at falling into our hands. Let there be no mistake to Dr Ellison, human trafcking is real, it is in the UK and Northern Irelands shores are not immune from it. He may choose to ignore the statistics being offered, but that only serves to highlight the scale of the issue. A 2002 report from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe identied that many drug trafcking gangs were switching to people trafcking because the risk was that much lower. Surely the low prosecution rate is reason enough to tighten the law. Dr Ellisons second argument seems to stem from his desire to allow non-trafcked prostitution to continue. As noble a cause as he may believe this to be, I wonder does he have a thought for the 95% of prostitutes whos pimps have ensured they are addicted to Class A drugs, or the 50% who have been raped or sexually assaulted? I am sure Dr Ellison would be most welcome at one of the many centres run around the UK providing support and rehabilitation to women who have escaped this modern slavery. The third argument stems from his lack of faith in the legislatures of other countries. The Nordic Council of Ministers reported in 2008 that the change in Swedish legislation which criminalised the purchaser of sex, whilst decriminalising the supplier, led to a reduction in the percentage of men purchasing anyone for prostitution from 13.6% in 1996 to 8% in 2008. I can state my sources, whilst Dr Morrows growing body of research evidence remains as nebulous as his argument. His nal argument seems to lie in his rage that religious groups and feminists might be moved to action by this most ancient of atrocities. I am sure I need not remind Dr Ellison that it was religious organisations that campaigned and led to the passing of the Slave Trade Abolition Act in 1833, whilst the popular opinion of experts still rallied for the benets of slavery. I trust Dr Ellison will take his own advice and speak to some of the victims of this modern slavery. Perhaps he could contact one of the many organisations who are working to rescue trafcked people, such as hopeforjustice. But then again, as that is a Christian organisation, perhaps he would prefer to contact one of the many humanist organisations working with the exploited and marginalised, if he can name one. Yours Andy Milligan

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