Solicitor Maura Butler SC was appointed in July 2020 to lead an independent review of Part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, a law that criminalizes the purchase of sex but not its sale. However, Ms. Butler was unable to complete the review, and the Department of Justice announced in February that it would proceed with the review internally, without appointing a new independent reviewer.
Critics argue that the criminalization of one party in a transaction inevitably affects the other, creating a ripple effect of harm. The Sex Workers Alliance Ireland (SWAI) has condemned the government's decision and its failure to involve active sex workers in the review process. This omission raises significant concerns about the government's commitment to understanding the real impact of these laws.
SWAI Coordinator Mardi Kennedy emphasized that in cases requiring reform, the government has historically sought expertise from independent experts, resulting in groundbreaking and transformative reports. Kennedy stressed that this departure from established practice sets a troubling precedent and poses risks for other marginalized communities.
The SWAI's intervention coincided with the first anniversary of the tragic murder of Limerick sex worker Geila Ibram. Spokesperson Linda Kavanagh criticized the government's refusal to heed the voices of sex workers, prioritizing ideology over evidence and research. Kavanagh highlighted that instead of responding to Geila Ibram's murder as a call to action, the government's inaction suggests a disregard for the safety and well-being of sex workers.
Kavanagh called for meaningful action, urging the government to decriminalize sex work to prevent further harm and loss of life. The refusal to engage with sex workers and their advocates perpetuates a cycle of marginalization and violence, undermining efforts to promote safety, dignity, and rights for all individuals involved in the sex industry.
The SWAI's stance underscores the urgent need for policy reform that prioritizes the voices and experiences of sex workers. It challenges the Irish government to confront the realities of sex work and adopt evidence-based approaches that prioritize the well-being and rights of all individuals, rather than perpetuating harmful and discriminatory practices.