NURSES are supporting a move to decriminalise prostitution for health reasons — not for moral, religious or ethical considerations.

Andrea Spyropoulos, from Liverpool, told the Royal College of Nursing Congress at Harrogate yesterday that the law forced prostitutes into a situation where they were stigmatised and denied access to healthcare.

“Men and women in prostitution come from very, very vulnerable backgrounds,” she said. “They have employment problems, debts and are in poverty. They have often been in care or have a history of abuse. They are two thirds more likely than others to suffer violence. I can take you to any city and within an hour find an area where prostitutes are operating. The question is how we tackle a problem that we know exists and the best way to do that is to legalise prostitution.”

Taking money for sex is not illegal, but soliciting and running a brothel are. It was these activities that Mrs Spyropoulos wished to legalise, although during the course of the debate the word was amended to decriminalise.

Princess Marufu, a nurse from London, said that legalising something that is a health and safety hazard was not the best thing to do. “It would solve one problem by creating another,” she said.

Mark Rickman agreed, saying that legalising prostitution would be a “gift to pimps, traffickers and the sex industry” and would not remove the root causes of prostitution. He urged rejection of the resolution to protect women from exploitation.

Maura Buchanan, the RCN deputy president, also opposed the motion, saying that it would legalise an activity that abuses vulnerable women.

Barbara Richardson-Todd, a school nurse, said that the children who entered into prostitution were neglected and damaged.

The congress approved the resolution by a vote of 355 to 83, with 21 abstentions.

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