Sex workers to be quizzed as part of investigation into crime group operating in Ireland
2025-04-18
elrond
Dozens of women working in Ireland's sex industry are being interviewed as witnesses in a probe targeting an organised crime group suspected of running a nationwide prostitution operation. The network operated across numerous towns and cities, including during the pandemic.
Fourteen individuals, believed to be key organisers based in the Czech Republic, were arrested and charged last Nov .....
Delayed review of prostitution in the Republic of Ireland
2025-03-27
elrond
Nearly five years after its initial deadline, the long-awaited review of the Sexual Offences Act 2017 has been published, revealing a significant missed opportunity to fully decriminalize the sex trade and enhance the safety of sex workers.
The review, mandated to assess the impact of the 2017 Act, which criminalized the purchase of sex while decriminalizing its sale, was plagued by delays. .....
Irish law is failing
2025-03-21
elrond
Despite their presence, sex workers in Ireland remain largely invisible, facing severe stigma, structural violence, harassment, and assault. They are further marginalized by a government that refuses meaningful engagement and by laws that endanger their safety.
Since 2017, the criminalization of paying for sexual services, coupled with increased fines and jail sentences for "brothel kee .....
Man charged with paying for sex in Letterkenny
2025-02-28
elrond
HOW DARE THEY! A man CHARGED for paying for sex in Donegal? This is an OUTRAGE! While the victims of this vile trade are left vulnerable, the STATE focuses its energy on prosecuting the customers ? This is a DISTORTION of justice!
Since 2017, this so-called "progressive" law has punished those who fuel the demand, leaving the REAL victims, the exploited and trafficked, to fend for .....
An Interview With Gaye Dalton about the ‘Nordic Model’ of sex work
2025-01-13
elrond
Donna Moore
Gaye Dalton, a former sex worker and prominent activist, shared her insights on the "Nordic Model" of sex work.
Donna Moore: Gaye, can you briefly outline your background?
Gaye Dalton: I was a sex worker myself from 1980 to 1993. I've been an activist opposing the Nordic Model since then.
Donna Moore: What's your stance on sex work?
Gaye D .....
Irish Governments Betrayal risks lives
2024-11-25
elrond
The Sex Workers Alliance Ireland (SWAI) is furious over the Irish government's delay in releasing the review of anti-prostitution laws. This "convenient" postponement, just before the election, exposes a disregard for sex workers' safety and well-being.
Minister McEntee initially promised the review by the end of 2024, but now pushes it to 2025. This review is crucial, exam .....
A warning when touring the Republic of Ireland.
2024-10-28
elrond
Escort Ireland Watch, a group that has been monitoring and publishing information about sex workers, has faced strong condemnation from sex worker rights advocates. The group's actions have been described as harmful and potentially dangerous, contributing to a climate of fear and harassment within the sex industry.
Kavanagh, a leading advocate for sex worker rights, highlighted the sever .....
The Flawed Approach of the Nordic Model: Stigma and Discrimination Against Sex Workers in Ireland
2024-10-05
elrond
Sex work legislation has long been a topic of global debate, with varying models implemented across different countries. The so-called "Nordic model," which criminalizes the purchase of sex in an effort to reduce demand, has been the prevailing legal framework in Ireland since 2017. However, new research from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, sheds light on the deeply ingr .....
Decriminalise now, and no to the Nordic Model
2024-05-03
elrond
Sex work encompasses a wide range of professions, including erotic dancing, nude modeling, pornography, web cam modeling, sugar dating (an arrangement where money or material goods are exchanged for companionship and possibly intimacy), and full-service street or escort work.
There’s a complex legal landscape surrounding sex work, ranging from legality to criminalization. While crimina .....
Calls for independent review of Irish prostitution laws
2024-04-08
elrond
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 re .....