Sexual Offences Act 2017

[john40]

I read last week that the 2017 legislation is finally going to be revuewed towards the end of this year. I've written the following letter and would be interested in peoples thoughts on it. If I can make it better, if anyone else would be willing to do the same or as if I can imagine, would probably make no difference. Interested to see what people think and thank you in advance.

Dear ( name TD / senator)

I hope my email finds you and well.

I am writing to you regarding the Sexual Offences Act 2017 as I have just read an article stating that it is due for review later this year. The legislation makes it illegal to pay for sexual services.

I'm a 51 year old male with mild cerebral palsy since birth. Up until the legislation was introduced I enjoyed the services of escorts. The escorts filled a void in my life that is very important to me because without their services this part of life would not have existed. I’ve never had a relationship and probably never will so this was the only sexual outlet I had.

I haven’t visited anyone since the legislation was enacted because I am too nervous with the thoughts of being caught, named and shamed and causing my family embarrassment. I am well aware of the intentions of this legislation in order to stop people from being abused and trafficked into the sex industry. I, like all other right minded people, abhor the abuse of women and girls by pimps and predators and they need to feel the full forces of the law. I don’t think it’s fair to deny someone an integral part of life that others can enjoy. I’m a strong advocate for legalisation of the sex industry. Having also used the services of escorts in Australia where it is legal and hence safer for all parties involved. I do acknowledge it also has its pitfalls too but overall it is better for all involved. Maybe that system and others could be looked at and improved and implemented here.

I am aware this is a very sensitive issue but also believe we are all entitled to live a full and meaningful life. For people with disabilities this is not always possible and for me visiting escorts allowed me to enjoy that part life.

Over the course of more than twenty years I had seen three different girls for 5, 6 and 6 years respectively. While I know it could also have not been the case, I think I knew each of these girls well enough to believe them when they told me that they were in the industry of their own free will and choosing.

The review of this legislation this year has to include people working in the industry to hear their feelings and understand how they want the industry to operate going forward. There was very little if any consultation with people in the industry when this legislation was being enacted which made no sense whatsoever.

I also read a report from a research project undertaken by the University of Limerick in the last year where they interviewed twenty five sex workers, the majority of whom blame the 2017 legislation for making their lives more dangerous. Among other recommendations they advise that the legislation should be repealed and thus making it safer for everyone involved.

I have never broken the law in my life and don’t have any intention of doing so. However, I risk putting myself in that situation if I visit an escort. With my name being published in papers and acquiring a criminal record.

I would appreciate it when the time comes for this legislation to be reviewed that you could advocate for people with disabilities that are being denied a fundamental part of life due to these laws.

I would also appreciate it if you were discussing this matter on my behalf not to use my name as I have elderly parents and other family members to consider.

I appreciate any advice or advocacy you can bring to this important matter for myself and many other people like me in our society.

Thank you for your time