ICA backs new legislation to curb prostitution traffickers
Ms Wall welcomed publication of details of the law, saying the Government had taken the first important step towards shutting down pimps and traffickers. She said it was a critical move, not just for the 72 organisations of the Turn off the Red Light Campaign but for the survivors of prostitution and trafficking who bravely came forward and shared their experiences in order to inform politicians.
Ms Wall added: “Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald has prioritised the issue of exploitation, trafficking and prostitution since coming into office and, after studying the evidence, has agreed the best way to curb these crimes is to change the focus of the laws onto the buyers of sex.
“By targeting the demand for prostitution and trafficking, the Minister will make life a lot more difficult for pimps by effectively wrecking their business model. Her decision is not only a milestone for organisations – but more importantly for women who have been through the horrors of prostitution and agreed to share their experiences in order to drive forward the democratic process.”
The national ICA president is calling on all TDs and senators to support the legislation and ensure it is progressed as quickly as possible. “It is worth noting that the Oireachtas Justice Committee already unanimously supports such laws – we’d like to see that political consensus continued in both Dáil and Seanad. It’s worth noting similar laws will come into force in Northern Ireland in the New Year and if our politicians act now we can ensure that criminals will not find a safe haven on any part of the island.”
Ms Wall said it’s important that proper supports are put in place for those women who are exiting prostitution. “We will be asking the Government to elaborate on how that can be achieved.” She reiterated the ICA position – to continue campaigning with Turn off the Red Light partners to ensure the proposed legislation become reality.
