Sir, – Catriona O'Brien ("Head to head: Why the purchase of sex should not be a criminal offence", August 20th) like anyone else is entitled to her opinion. But I cannot understand why Amnesty International has taken a position on this political issue and passed a resolution to call for the decriminalisation of sex work.
Logic would suggest that there are valid arguments on both sides, as there is on the decriminalisation of illicit drugs.
I can only wonder if Amnesty International’s interpretation of human rights involves the requirement to liberalise society by the promotion of the individual’s right to choice on all matters, rather than a more traditional definition which is curtailed by the concept of ensuring the common good for society and protection of “vulnerable” individuals.
– Yours, etc,
FRANK BROWNE
Templeogue,
Dublin 16.