Sir, – Kathryn Holmquist's piece deserves further attention ("Does prostitution demean, degrade and dehumanise the buyers of sex?", November 12th). For in turning the spotlight on those who buy sex, Ms Holmquist has looked at a crucial cohort, which all of your letter writers have managed to ignore skilfully, thus far.
If we are to have a full and frank examination of the prostitution issue, surely we need to focus on the men (and some women) who feel entitled to buy sex from women (and some men). This sense of entitlement is surely critical to an honest analysis of this multibillion euro worldwide industry, which would be non-existent without the demand it enjoys? – Yours, etc,
FRANCES BYRNE,
Dublin 15.
Sir , – Whether you agree or disagree with prostitution, everyone has to be concerned with the very high risk of violence to those engaged – mainly female – in the prostitution trade. But not alone is there the risk of violence, but also the risk of disease and ill health.
I have no doubt but that the suggestion of having licensed brothels will give rise to moral outrage and anger but at least the issue should be discussed. – Yours, etc,
MARTIN CROTTY,
Blackrock, Co Louth.
Sir, –In the current debates about prostitution and the law, surely consideration should be given to viewing both the actions of seller and buyer as unlawful and even more importantly, unethical. We should speak loudly and clearly against enshrining in law the perspective of the human body as a mere commodity for sale. Such perspectives are an abuse of common humanity and demeaning of the whole human family. – Yours, etc,
Dr VINCENT KENNY,
Dublin 16.