Madam, – There has been a noticeable lack of critical analysis by the media of the conviction of Mark McCormick for running a network of brothels in Dublin (Home News, May 15th).
According to reports, the prostitutes involved were not trafficked or abused in any way, came to the venture independently and enjoyed a 50 per cent share of the takings of the “business’.
In other words, by all accounts they were willing and equal business partners. That being the case, why is one party, McCormick, jailed, while the others, the sex workers, walk away, completely innocent? Surely the law should be applied evenly in the case of willing prostitutes or, better still, the industry should be legalised and regulated. The current legal situation is a farce and mired in double standards. Moreover, trying to ban an activity as widespread as prostitution is about as effective as halting an incoming tide with your fingers. – Yours, etc,