The Big One - New Sex Crime Legislation Discussed In Dáil Today

[The Libertarian]

Yes, Frankie is introducing her new Criminal Law (Child Grooming) Bill 2014 before the Dáil today and it is certain to pass!
AFAIK this is the big one as it's expected to include the criminalisation of consenting adults having sex for payment, specifically the punter! There is also no additonal decriminalisation for sex workers!

https://twitter.com/oireachtasnews

http://www.oireachtas.ie/documents/l...Flash-Dail.htm

(they are discussing Fisheries matters, just at the mo!)

http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PR14000349

[Petros]

Not a good day then

[The Libertarian]

Just to clarify I'm not sure that it includes the evil bit yet, given the title, but unfortunately, I think it does!
How insulting it is to fully consenting adult sex workers that any aspect of consenting adult sex work could be criminalzed under a 'Child Grooming' Bill!
Anybody who has ever met a sex worker knows damn well how very well cable and savvy they are as people!

[dob]

Criminal Law (Child Grooming) Bill 2014 [PMB]



An Bille um an Dlí Coiriúil (Grúmaeireacht Leanaí), 2014 [BCP]



Bill Number 89 of 2014
Sponsored by Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy
Source: Private Member
Method: Introduced
Status: New Bill



Bill entitled an Act to provide for offences in relation to the grooming of children for the purposes of sexual exploitation; to provide for matters connected therewith; and to give effect to Directive 2011/93/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, and replacing council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA



I approve of this bill. Libertarian hasn't a clue. Nothing to see here.

[The Libertarian]

Criminal Law (Child Grooming) Bill 2014 [PMB]



An Bille um an Dlí Coiriúil (Grúmaeireacht Leanaí), 2014 [BCP]



Bill Number 89 of 2014
Sponsored by Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy
Source: Private Member
Method: Introduced
Status: New Bill



Bill entitled an Act to provide for offences in relation to the grooming of children for the purposes of sexual exploitation; to provide for matters connected therewith; and to give effect to Directive 2011/93/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, and replacing council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA



I approve of this bill. Libertarian hasn't a clue. Nothing to see here.

From my link - Child grooming was to come under the same legislation at least originally as the criminalization of punters and the subsequent destruction of sex workers rights!

Minister Fitzgerald publishes heads of new Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2014You are here: Home Media & Publications Press Releases Minister Fitzgerald publishes heads of new Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2014


Bill proposes wide ranging reforms of the law, including stronger sanctions, aimed at protecting children from sexual exploitation; child pornography and online grooming



· New criminal offences to protect children against grooming, including online

· New & strengthened offences to tackle child pornography

· New prohibition against sex offenders working with children and vulnerable persons

· Strengthening the post-release supervision and monitoring of sex offenders

· Risk assessment of sex offender and disclosure of information regarding offenders to be placed on a statutory footing

· Increased protection for vulnerable persons

· Introduction of new Harassment Order

· New provisions to be introduced regarding evidence by victims, particularly children

· Gender anomaly in incest law to be addressed

· Age of consent to sexual activity to remain at 17 years of age - Two year proximity clause to be introduced

· Criminalisation of the purchase of sexual services



27th November, 2014



Frances Fitzgerald, TD, Minister for Justice and Equality has today published the Heads and General Scheme of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2014.



Minister Fitzgerald stated: “This important new Bill provides for wide ranging reform of our laws, including stronger sanctions, aimed at protecting children from sexual exploitation; child pornography and online grooming.”



“The Bill will provides for a more effective response to sexual offending within our criminal justice system”



The Bill, when enacted, will implement the EU Directive on ‘Combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography’ as well as paving the way for Ireland to ratify the Council of Europe ‘Convention on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and abuse’. The Heads of the Bill also seek to implement the recommendations of two Oireachtas Committees on Child Protection and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence.



New criminal offences to protect children against grooming, including online

Heads 3 - 8 of the Bill propose a number of new criminal offences to tackle the sexual exploitation of children, including grooming. The new offences relate to:

· Soliciting & paying for purpose of sexually exploiting a child;

· Invitation to sexual touching;

· Sexual activity in presence of a child;

· Causing a child to watch sexual activity;

· Use of ICT (e.g. internet and mobile phones) to facilitate sexual exploitation of a child.



It is also proposed to strengthen the existing offence of meeting a child for the purpose of sexual exploitation.



Minister Fitzgerald stated: “These new offences will greatly strengthen Ireland’s laws to protect children from sexual exploitation. The new offences also reflect the reality that predatory sexual activity to target children can now take place online, for example via social media.”

The sanctions for these new offences include both fines and prison sentences ranging in most cases from to 10 to 14 years.

WE HAVE TO REMAIN VIGILANT AGAINST THIS MADNESS AT ALL TIMES!
THE SWEDES NEVER BELIEVED IT WOULD HAPPEN AND IT DID!

[gneasach]

Getting the 2 confused here. that private members bill is seperate to the Bill of Frances Fitzgerald but deals with common ground and is intended to be published before end of dail term. But specifically does not deal with sexual services among consenting adults. The intention from reading online is that government won't oppose this bill and it will compliment Frances Fitzgerald bill that does deal with sexual services also and that both will compliment other.

[Theomegaman]

Getting the 2 confused here. that private members bill is seperate to the Bill of Frances Fitzgerald but deals with common ground and is intended to be published before end of dail term. But specifically does not deal with sexual services among consenting adults. The intention from reading online is that government won't oppose this bill and it will compliment Frances Fitzgerald bill that does deal with sexual services also and that both will compliment other.

You are spot on. Was reading the paper today while having lunch and the private members bill is the final attachment to the Justice minister presents the complete one including the sexual offences bill to the Dail which in the Examiner is quoted as being imminent.
As far as I know the Dail wraps up on Monday for 8 weeks so I don't think we will see anything before then. Mid September they are back.

[HappyHunter6]

So we are safe till mid September ..... Hopefully