Sir, – In the midst of all the political turmoil there was a ray of sunshine last night when the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences) Bill passed the final stage in the Seanad. All that remains now is for it to be signed into law by President Michael D Higgins.
This new legislation is an example of what is possible when there is open communication, respect for all perspectives and collaboration between the State, non-governmental organisations and individuals working on the front line. Yes, it has taken over half a decade to come to fruition, but great credit is due to the tenacity of all involved who are committed to ensuring that Ireland is a safer place for our children and vulnerable adults. – Yours, etc,
ELLEN O’MALLEY
DUNLOP,
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Templeogue,
Dublin 6W.
Sir, – The Government by introducing new laws criminalising the purchase of sexual services has defied international bodies and the interests and opinions and wishes of sex workers. Various international bodies, including Amnesty International and the World Health Organisation, have spoken out against criminalising the clients of sex workers, and Amnesty also called for the full decriminalisation of sex work, a position which has been supported by many sex workers in Ireland and other countries.
Sex workers have also voiced concerns over the Swedish model of criminalising the purchase of sexual services, fearing it will lead to increased violence, discrimination and a worsening of relations with the police and state bodies, which has been the case in both Sweden and Norway.
This new law will do nothing to prevent violence against sex workers or improve their situation but instead will push sex workers further underground and make their situation worse. The Government by taking up this moral crusade will only endanger and further stigmatise the very people it is claiming to help. – Yours, etc,
KEITH DUNNE,
Drumcondra,
Dublin 9.