Dear Pat, I am a bit thick and even after reading your intro above, I am not quite sure what is supposed to go into this specific thread. So if this next post is out of place please send it to of of the other related threads.
My comments relate to the recently released discussion document on future direction of prostitution legislation (and not on our specific response, yet).
I am on page 22 (only 37 pages to go!!!) and am very impressed already! For those not in the know (like me) - this document is not proposing legislation change. It merely outlines where there is a review of exisiting laws governing the sex industry and sex work. It goes through the history of such legislation in Ireland and the current law as it stands (which has been hugely educational for me). It also descibes the law in various countries Sweden, U.K., Australia, Holland, N.Z. etc. amd talks about the various opinions on these systems in a non judgemental fashion.
There are hugely encouraging staements in this document which indicate that the powers that be appear to be open minded and not overly biased by any one groups dogma.
Here are few excerpts: (Form pages 4 & 5)
Firstly despite public disapproval of prostitution and substantial legal provisions criminalising prostitution related activities, individuals continue to buy and sell sex and it is an activity that has existed over the millenia. On the assumption that individuals continue to engage in prostitution consideration needs to be given to how legislation might be framed to deal with the complex issues surrounding prostitution, to protect prostitutes from exploitation and the need to have effective laws to reduce, deter and prosecute criminal acitivites.
Secondly, the law does not criminalize the exchange of sex for moeny but it does criminalize most other prostitution-related activities. The effect of this law is that there are few ways to sell sex in Ireland without risking criminal punishment.......this makes it illegal for a prostitute to pay soemone to protect her or him, or to assist in any aspect of her or his work....
Halleluyah I say!! I'm off to read it through to the end.
"Don't be reckless with other people’s hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours"