Conference to debate prostitution legislation
The day-long conference follows a discussion document drawn up by the Department of Justice which sets a range of options — from full criminalisation of all prostitution to legalisation of the adult sex trade.
In the run-up to the conference, Justice Minister Alan Shatter said the nature of prostitution had changed in Ireland.
“Prostitution was once mainly a street-based phenomenon. That is no longer the case. The organisation of prostitution is now much more sophisticated, highly mobile and is easily facili-tated by the use of mobile phones and the internet.”
He said there was a clear consensus on the “great evils” of child prostitution and sex trafficking.
“However, I am aware that there are differing and genuinely held views on the approach the criminal law should take to other aspects of prostitution.”
Mr Shatter said he wanted an open debate on the matter, which included today’s conference and the deliberations of the Oireachtas justice committee which had sought submissions and would complete a report for him at the end of November.
The department’s 59-page discussion document lays out four options:
* Total criminalisation: All aspects of prostitution are illegal;
* Partial criminalisation: Some parts of sex work are prohibited — eg only buyers are criminalised;
* Non-criminalisation: sex workers and businesses have to comply with employment, health and safety, and human rights laws;
* Legalisation or regulation: Trade is regulated by the Government or local authority.
The document said that “despite public disapproval” and laws criminalising many aspects of prostitution, individuals continue to sell and buy sex.
It said the law in Ireland does not criminalise the exchange of sex for money — which a number of organisations here have called for.
Under Irish law, it is an offence for a client or sex worker to solicit in a public place, while the organisation of prostitution is also illegal.
The document said estimates suggested that more than 1,000 women, mainly migrants, were available or were made available for paid sexual services on a daily basis.
The report said for the three years ending 2011, reports to the gardaí suggested 134 people — 102 adult females and 31 minors — were alleged victims of sex trafficking.
The report said the Swedish model — which punishes only the purchasers and not sellers of sex — had its supporters and critics and it was difficult to make an objective assessment about it.
* Read more here
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