The Church of Scotland has joined other churches throughout the country to welcome Tuesday's amendments to the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Bill.
The amendments mean it will be illegal to pay for sexual services, while also provide support and assistance to those exiting the sex industry.
Similar legislation, making it a crime to pay for sex was introduced in Northern Ireland earlier this month, with anyone caught breaking the new law could face up to a year in prison and a fine of £1,000.
The Church of Scotland and members of the Scottish Churches Anti-Human Trafficking Group welcome these amendments.
A spokesman for Scottish Churches said: "We understand that this is a complicated issue which requires careful thought, however, evidence clearly points to reduced demand for commercial sexual services after the introduction of similar laws in other countries.
"In Sweden, for example, there has been a corresponding fall in the number of women and girls trafficked for work in the sexual services industry.
"Conversely in countries, such as Germany where prostitution has been legalised, there is evidence that trafficking flows of people for purposes of sexual exploitation is markedly higher than in those countries whose legislative framework is more restrictive. In this context we are pleased that there will be an opportunity for members of the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee to consider this important issue in the next few weeks."
Prostitution is technically legal in the UK although related activities, such as soliciting for sex in a public place, are outlawed.
Campaigners are calling for the new law to be implemented across England and Wales, to help stifle the trade and "end demand'.
But others say this just drives it into more dangerous locations and further stigmatises the industry and the best protection for prostitutes is actually legalisation.
