Sir, – A group of individuals (May 30th) argues against proposed prostitution law reform (the "Swedish approach"), which would criminalise the purchase of sexual services.
As a member of the Oireachtas Justice Committee, which recommended this law reform, I strongly challenge their arguments. Our committee conducted extensive research, concluding that prostitution in Ireland today is highly organised, highly profitable and highly exploitative. Women are routinely trafficked or coerced into prostitution at very young ages here. Yet current Irish law criminalising both women and clients is not effective in reducing exploitation, or tackling either demand or supply.
By contrast, Swedish law decriminalises the women engaged in prostitution; only the clients face criminal charges.
This approach, proven to be effective in reducing demand, recognises the inherently unequal nature of prostitution. It is also supported by the majority of NGOs working directly with those engaged in prostitution.
As a life-long feminist, recognising the reality that the vast majority of prostitutes are women or girls in poverty, and the vast majority of clients are men with money, I support the Swedish reform and urge the Government to implement the unanimous justice committee recommendation without any further delay. – Yours, etc,
IVANA BACIK,
Seanad Éireann,
Leinster House, Dublin 2.