Criminalisation of Purchase & "Blue Lights"

[ber]

I was not aware of the control of organised crime/pimps in the escort industry in Ireland. I have certainly not come across that in my limited experience but I bow to your greater experience. ( I mean that genuinely. Clearly you have been at this longer than I have and have a clearer insight into the industry).

From my point of view, I have no intention of continuing seeing escorts in Ireland should the bill be passed. I have too much to lose to risk being charged (not necessarily convicted) of 'sex offences'. I think i will be investing in time sharing condo's in Spain and brushing up on my Spanish.

Yes i agree with u regards the gardai not really needing convictions if this comes to pass,all they need is for to take a few cases
to court get a few names in the papers and it will have the desired effect,for a first offence i presume it would be just a small fine
basically a slap on the wrist, but the fallout for most guys on a personal level would be huge.As for the pimping there are agencies
everywhere that escorts advertise on this site, to the level in many of the smaller places that the true independents find it difficult
to work without intimidation,some of this is subtle some not so subtle.Some of the individuals running these agencies have premises in alot of towns and cities across the country, and all advertise the girls as independents

[Morpheus]

Yes i agree with u regards the gardai not really needing convictions if this comes to pass,all they need is for to take a few cases
to court get a few names in the papers and it will have the desired effect,for a first offence i presume it would be just a small fine
basically a slap on the wrist, but the fallout for most guys on a personal level would be huge.As for the pimping there are agencies
everywhere that escorts advertise on this site, to the level in many of the smaller places that the true independents find it difficult
to work without intimidation,some of this is subtle some not so subtle.Some of the individuals running these agencies have premises in alot of towns and cities across the country, and all advertise the girls as independents

That might explain the difference in my experience as I've only seen escorts in Dublin.

However, I now recall one escort telling me that the gardai were informed anonymously of her activities when she was touring a smaller town. It makes sense now if it was some pimp marking his territory.

[Violette]

I would caution against being complacent. The anti- escorting movement (they call themselves anti-trafficking) is very organised. Check out "Turn off the red light" website. Pat Rabbit of the Labour party has already promised to enact the bill if labour comes into power. I know politicians are liars but this would be a very soft bill to pass. Head shops were closed down overnight (so that all control is now in the hands of hardcore drug dealers). I fear the same thing could happen with this bill. Do not console youself that it is a minority that is supporting this bill. They are a strong political lobby. I wish it were otherwise, but I seriously fear the end of escorting as we know it in Ireland. It may also be the end of E-I. Of course there will always be escorting in Ireland, but it will be run by pimps/ organised crime and prices will be exorbitant as in Sweden. I suggest we all support the blue light campaign by E-I and post some reasonable arguments. The more posts the better.

I have worked in Sweden, and was quite busy. I saw many men in my in call place, and did quite a few outcalls as well. Yes it is true what you say about the lessening of TW, as well as the clients are indeed VERY well behaved. The other point I will make goes out to all the gents who love to whinge about the prices as they currently are. If this law passes, you will be begging for the current rates.

[Patricia]

I would like to know if EI have been in contact with anit-sex work groups to put a case forward?

In regard to this point, the anti-sex work groups like Ruhama would not speak to us so it is impossible to have any discussion with them.

[Lucy Chambers]

There isnt only the Swedish Model to follow though, the UK brought in the Crime And Policing Bill in 2009, which criminalises the purchase of sex with anyone who is controlled. This has not had a visible effect on Independent Escorts, only on agencies. Perhaps it would be more sensible to accept that reforms will be coming in and push for the UK model. We need to form a Union.