Proposed sex laws are rooted in ideology

Regarding the Government’s intention to criminalise the purchase of sex but not its sale, has any thought has been given to the outcomes from making the transaction a criminal offence for one party but not other.

It would be unjust to penalise those who are in prostitution against their will, but it seems reasonable to assume that not all prostitutes are in this situation. The claim that all prostitutes are victims by definition is an ideological view and one apparently not shared by all prostitutes.

It’s clear that this measure is influenced by ideological dogmatism — as is the Swedish law on which it’s based — which is not necessarily conducive to creating sound laws.

Also, what are the implications of this one-sided measure for the principle of equality before the law as enshrined in our Constitution?

The alleged effectiveness of this type of law is disputed by a number of informed commentators, and several countries have decided against adopting similar measures — including the UK (except for the North) which rejected such a measure in early November.

Lastly, this writer is not in favour of prostitution but it is valid to express concern at this proposal.

Hugh Gibney

Castletown

Athboy

Co Meath