Ireland Escorts

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 severe consequences of such harassment. She referenced a previous phishing scam targeting migrant sex workers, which escalated to violent threats, and the tragic murder of Geila Ibram in Limerick. Kavanagh warned that groups like Escort Ireland Watch exacerbate these risks by perpetuating a culture of fear and stigmatization.

While Escort Ireland Watch claims to be fighting exploitation and trafficking, their actions have been criticized for lacking evidence and potentially harming vulnerable individuals. An Garda Síochána has expressed concern over the group's methods, acknowledging the circulation of detailed reports on sex workers and their potential impact on the safety and well-being of those involved in the industry.

It is crucial to recognize that sex work is a legitimate occupation and that sex workers deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. By perpetuating harmful stereotypes and engaging in surveillance and harassment, groups like Escort Ireland Watch undermine the safety and rights of sex workers. It is imperative to address the root causes of exploitation and trafficking within the sex industry, rather than targeting and stigmatizing individual workers.

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 ingrained stigma and discrimination that sex workers in Ireland face compared to those in other jurisdictions, particularly New Zealand and Scotland. The findings suggest that the Nordic model is not only ineffective but also harmful to the well-being of sex workers. A critical reassessment of Ireland’s legal approach is urgently needed, as decriminalization, as seen in New Zealand, offers a more humane and practical alternative.

Stigma and Structural Violence in Ireland

The research, led by Dr. Lynzi Armstrong, a senior lecturer in Criminology at Victoria University of Wellington, involved interviews with 70 sex workers across Ireland, Scotland, and New Zealand. Among these, 24 participants were from the Republic of Ireland, and their experiences revealed the most profound sense of stigma, isolation, and discrimination. Structural stigma—prejudice embedded within social systems and institutions—was a recurring theme throughout the study. In Ireland, sex workers described a pervasive sense of shame and judgment, far more intense than in New Zealand, where sex work has been decriminalized since 2003.

This stigma in Ireland is not just a social issue but is built into the laws themselves, according to the report. Participants spoke of structural violence—forms of harm, abuse, and oppression facilitated by institutional policies—saying that the legal framework under the Nordic model directly exacerbates their marginalization. Many of the sex workers interviewed recounted experiences of abusive and demeaning treatment in a variety of settings. Often, this mistreatment stemmed from another person being aware of their involvement in sex work, which illustrates how the stigma surrounding sex work seeps into personal and professional relationships.

What is particularly striking is the role of the Catholic Church in shaping public opinion and maintaining control over sex workers' lives. The Church’s influence perpetuates a conservative, moralistic narrative that vilifies sex workers, reinforcing their isolation from mainstream society. This institutional power, coupled with Ireland’s legal framework, compounds the stigma and discrimination faced by those in the sex work industry.

The Harmful Impact of the Nordic Model

The research is unequivocal in its condemnation of Ireland’s current legal approach to sex work. None of the Irish participants had anything positive to say about the country’s legislative framework. In fact, many emphasized that the Nordic model, which criminalizes the purchase of sex, had worsened their situations, making them more vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and discrimination.

Adopted by Sweden in 1999, the Nordic model is intended to reduce demand for sex work by penalizing clients rather than sex workers themselves. While this may seem like a progressive approach, it has had the opposite effect in practice. By pushing the industry further underground, the Nordic model has made it more difficult for sex workers to operate safely. Clients, knowing they face criminal charges if caught, are less likely to report any abusive or violent behavior to the authorities, leaving sex workers more isolated and vulnerable.

A report by Amnesty International, published two years ago, highlighted the “chilling effect” that the Nordic model has had on sex workers’ human rights in Ireland. The fear of arrest or harassment has driven sex workers into more precarious working conditions. Many feel they have no choice but to work alone, which increases their exposure to violence. This is particularly dangerous in Ireland, where trust in the gardaí (police) has plummeted among sex workers. The adversarial relationship between sex workers and law enforcement, fostered by the current legal framework, prevents those in the industry from seeking protection or justice when they are harmed.

Linda Kavanagh, a spokesperson for the Sex Workers Alliance Ireland (SWAI), has been vocal about the dangers posed by the current laws. She has stated that there is “a mountain of evidence” from sex workers showing that violence and fear have escalated since the criminalization of clients in 2017. According to Kavanagh, “Working safely and working legally are now incompatible, under the law.” Sex workers are forced to choose between operating within the law and protecting their own safety, a situation that is both unjust and unsustainable.

Legislative Review: Delayed and Lacking Transparency

In 2021, Senior Counsel Maura Butler began a review of Part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, which criminalized the purchase of sex in Ireland. However, due to her workload, Butler was unable to complete the review. The material she had collected was passed to the Department of Justice’s Data and Research Unit, which is currently finalizing a report on the law. Despite the ongoing review process, there has been a lack of meaningful consultation with sex workers, according to the SWAI. Kavanagh and other advocates have repeatedly expressed frustration at the lack of transparency, arguing that the voices of those most affected by the law—sex workers themselves—are being ignored.

The SWAI’s calls for full decriminalization are backed by evidence not only from sex workers but also from the academic research conducted by Dr. Armstrong and her team. The research includes ten key recommendations, with the foremost being the full decriminalization of sex work. This, the report concludes, would improve the health, safety, and well-being of sex workers and serve as a crucial step toward reducing the stigma they face.

Decriminalization: A Better Way Forward

New Zealand provides a compelling alternative to the Nordic model. In 2003, the country passed the Prostitution Reform Act, which decriminalized sex work, aiming to safeguard the rights of sex workers and improve their working conditions. Since the implementation of this law, New Zealand has been held up as a model of progressive sex work legislation. The decriminalization approach treats sex work as a legitimate form of labor, enabling those in the industry to access health and safety protections, report violence without fear of arrest, and work in safer environments.

The research conducted by Dr. Armstrong shows that sex workers in New Zealand experience significantly less stigma and discrimination than those in Ireland. By decriminalizing sex work, New Zealand has created a legal and social environment in which sex workers are viewed as active agents with rights and protections, rather than passive victims. This shift in societal perception is critical for reducing the structural stigma that plagues sex workers in countries like Ireland.

Decriminalization also allows sex workers to organize collectively, which can enhance their bargaining power with clients and employers. By operating within a legal framework that acknowledges their rights, sex workers can negotiate better working conditions and, most importantly, ensure that their safety is prioritized. In contrast, the Nordic model criminalizes clients, which pushes the industry into the shadows and forces sex workers into increasingly dangerous situations.

There is also evidence that decriminalization improves public health outcomes. When sex workers are not afraid of legal repercussions, they are more likely to access health services, including regular testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In New Zealand, the decriminalization of sex work has contributed to better sexual health for both workers and their clients, as workers can openly discuss and practice safe sex without fear of arrest.

The Catholic Church’s Role in Perpetuating Stigma

One cannot discuss the stigma surrounding sex work in Ireland without addressing the profound influence of the Catholic Church. As noted in Dr. Armstrong’s research, many of the Irish participants in the study highlighted the Church’s role in shaping public narratives about sex work. The Church’s moral authority has historically cast sex work as sinful and immoral, reinforcing the stigma that isolates sex workers from the broader community.

This cultural backdrop of shame and guilt exacerbates the difficulties sex workers face, making it harder for them to seek support or even discuss their experiences openly. The Church’s teachings have contributed to a legal environment in which sex workers are criminalized and ostracized rather than supported and protected. The influence of the Catholic Church in Ireland’s legal and social systems has created a climate where sex workers are viewed not as individuals deserving of rights, but as symbols of moral decay.

Decriminalization offers a way to challenge and dismantle these outdated moral frameworks. By treating sex work as legitimate labor, rather than a moral failing, the state can help to shift public opinion and reduce the harmful stigma that sex workers face. In countries like New Zealand, where the decriminalization of sex work has been implemented, sex workers are less likely to be viewed through a lens of moral judgment and are instead seen as individuals with the same rights and protections as any other worker.

A Call for Reform in Ireland

The research from Victoria University of Wellington provides a powerful argument for why Ireland must move away from the Nordic model and toward a more humane and effective approach to sex work legislation. The current laws are harming sex workers, increasing their vulnerability to violence, and reinforcing the stigma that isolates them from society. The experiences of sex workers in New Zealand show that decriminalization offers a better path forward—one that respects the rights of workers, improves safety, and reduces stigma.

As Ireland’s Department of Justice finalizes its report on the 2017 law, it is crucial that the voices of sex workers are at the forefront of the discussion. Their lived experiences should guide the country’s approach to sex work, and the evidence is clear: decriminalization is the most effective way to protect sex workers and ensure their health and safety. The Nordic model, with its focus on criminalizing clients, is not only failing to achieve its goals but is also actively harming the very people it claims to protect.

Ireland stands at a crossroads. It can continue down the path of criminalization, perpetuating harm and stigma, or it can choose a different direction—one that recognizes sex work as labor, decriminal

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 criminalization is sometimes rooted in outdated moral or religious beliefs that condemn sex work as sinful, there is also a more nuanced argument around preventing sex trafficking. However, criminalizing sex work across the board as a means to combat trafficking can actually exacerbate the problem.

Sex workers themselves are invested in ending sex trafficking, just as much as the broader community is. However, tackling the issue without considering the perspectives and needs of those directly affected—such as drug users, queer and trans people, and low-income communities—often leads to more dangerous working conditions for sex workers.

In the world of full-service work, one of the most important safety measures for sex workers is the ability to conduct background checks on potential clients. This allows them to assess whether a client is safe, whether they appear on any bad date lists, and whether they have a history of harming women, queer individuals, or other sex workers. Without this ability to screen clients, workers could unknowingly place themselves in harm’s way.

Complete decriminalization of sex work is a crucial step toward ensuring sex workers can operate safely and autonomously. By removing legal barriers, sex workers can more effectively screen clients and minimize their exposure to trafficking.

While no system is perfect, and trafficking may not be entirely eliminated, the decriminalization approach is far more effective and safer for sex workers than current models.

Concerns with the “Nordic model”

As people recognize that criminalizing both sex workers and their clients fails to address sex trafficking and harms consensual sex workers, there is a shift toward the “Nordic model” or “anti-equity model” among some policy advocates. This approach criminalizes the purchase of sexual services, assuming it will reduce demand and therefore end sex trafficking.

However, this model often exacerbates risks for sex workers, driving away respectful clients and leaving them with those who may have little regard for their safety. Rather than reducing demand, this approach increases harm and can worsen conditions for sex workers.

Proponents of the Nordic model claim it helps full-service sex workers leave the industry, but their approach disregards the autonomy and humanity of sex workers. Moreover, money spent on enforcing the Nordic model could instead be directed towards education, job training, and support services for those who choose to leave the industry.

In countries that have adopted the Nordic model, such as Sweden, sex workers may face housing instability and homelessness as a result of policies that punish landlords and others who provide shelter to them.

Organizations like Freedom Network USA highlight that every arrest of a sex worker or their client diverts resources from aiding trafficking survivors and those seeking to leave the industry. Anti-sex work campaigns can drain funding that would be better used for support and empowerment.

Sex workers and former sex workers need support in challenging the Nordic model and advocating for complete decriminalization. The struggle for sex work justice is closely intertwined with broader fights against misogyny, queerphobia, and class exploitation. Solidarity with sex workers is essential for advancing justice for all.

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 reviewer.

Critics argue that the criminalization of one party in a transaction inevitably affects the other, creating a ripple effect of harm. The Sex Workers Alliance Ireland (SWAI) has condemned the government's decision and its failure to involve active sex workers in the review process. This omission raises significant concerns about the government's commitment to understanding the real impact of these laws.

SWAI Coordinator Mardi Kennedy emphasized that in cases requiring reform, the government has historically sought expertise from independent experts, resulting in groundbreaking and transformative reports. Kennedy stressed that this departure from established practice sets a troubling precedent and poses risks for other marginalized communities.

The SWAI's intervention coincided with the first anniversary of the tragic murder of Limerick sex worker Geila Ibram. Spokesperson Linda Kavanagh criticized the government's refusal to heed the voices of sex workers, prioritizing ideology over evidence and research. Kavanagh highlighted that instead of responding to Geila Ibram's murder as a call to action, the government's inaction suggests a disregard for the safety and well-being of sex workers.

Kavanagh called for meaningful action, urging the government to decriminalize sex work to prevent further harm and loss of life. The refusal to engage with sex workers and their advocates perpetuates a cycle of marginalization and violence, undermining efforts to promote safety, dignity, and rights for all individuals involved in the sex industry.

The SWAI's stance underscores the urgent need for policy reform that prioritizes the voices and experiences of sex workers. It challenges the Irish government to confront the realities of sex work and adopt evidence-based approaches that prioritize the well-being and rights of all individuals, rather than perpetuating harmful and discriminatory practices.

The long-awaited review into Ireland's sex work legislation, promised for years, remains elusive, with the Department of Justice dragging its feet yet again. Despite repeated assurances, the report won't see the light of day until later this year, causing frustration and anger among stakeholders.

Staff at the Department of Justice, apparently suffering from chronic procrastination, have been handed the responsibility of completing this overdue report. Justice Minister Helen McEntee's confirmation of its completion by Q3 is nothing but a feeble attempt to pacify mounting criticism.

Summer of 2021 saw solicitor Maura Butler SC appointed to oversee the review, with a promise to deliver within three months. But as usual, excuses piled up, with delays ranging from Butler's diversion to another review on murder-suicides to the apparent disappearance of the report into a bureaucratic abyss.

Recent reports hint at the Department of Justice scrambling to find ways to release the report "without any further undue delay," as if they weren't responsible for the delay in the first place.

McEntee's latest strategy? Delegate the task to the Data and Research Unit, hoping they can weave some semblance of coherence out of the chaos that has become of this review process. This bureaucratic runaround is a slap in the face to transparency and accountability.

Meanwhile, the Sex Workers Alliance of Ireland (SWAI) rightly condemns this perpetual stalling and the Department's blatant disregard for engaging with stakeholders, particularly those most affected by these laws—sex workers themselves.

SWAI demands not just answers but action. Their call for a new review underscores the deep-seated frustration with a system that consistently sidelines the voices of those it purports to protect.

The current legislation, criminalizing the purchase of sexual services, fails to address the real issues faced by sex workers, leaving them vulnerable and marginalized. SWAI's plea for total decriminalization is not just a suggestion; it's a necessity for ensuring the safety and well-being of those involved in sex work.

In her response to a parliamentary question, McEntee echoes the tired rhetoric of prostitution being inherently exploitative, conveniently ignoring the complexities of the issue and the voices of sex workers themselves. It's a disappointing display of ignorance and a failure to acknowledge the urgent need for reform.

The 2017 Sexual Offences Act was touted as a step forward in protecting vulnerable individuals, yet its shortcomings are glaring. It's time for the government to stop paying lip service to the issue and take meaningful action to address the concerns of sex workers and their advocates. Anything less is a betrayal of trust and a perpetuation of injustice.

The Council of Europe (COE), a prominent organization dedicated to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law on the continent since its establishment in 1949, has consistently advocated for the protection of marginalized groups. Among these, sex workers often face stigma and violence, exacerbated by laws criminalizing the purchase of sex, as highlighted by COE's Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović.

In her recent commentary, Mijatović underscores how the criminalization of purchasing sex, despite the legality of selling sex in some regions like the island of Ireland, contributes to the marginalization of sex workers and heightens their vulnerability to violence. She emphasizes that such legislation effectively criminalizes the working environment of sex workers, encompassing not only clients but also third parties involved in various aspects of the industry, such as brothel-keepers and advertisers.

Contrary to arguments advocating for the criminalization of third parties to reduce demand and combat human trafficking, Mijatović points out that evidence suggests otherwise. Reports indicate that in certain states, commercial sexual services have increased following such criminalization, while anti-trafficking organizations highlight its ineffectiveness in preventing and combating human trafficking. Moreover, it may hinder the identification and protection of trafficking victims among sex workers.

Mijatović advocates for a human rights-based approach to sex work, emphasizing that consensual adult activities should not be criminalized. She asserts that criminalizing clients or third parties diminishes sex workers' access to essential services and rights, pushing them into clandestine and isolated work environments out of fear of legal repercussions. In contrast, decriminalization has shown positive impacts on sex workers' safety, access to social services, and health outcomes, as exemplified by Belgium's recent legislation.

However, Mijatović clarifies that decriminalization does not equate to condoning exploitation, human trafficking, or violence against sex workers. She stresses the necessity of maintaining and reinforcing laws addressing these issues while ensuring sex workers' protection from harm and exploitation.

Additionally, Mijatović raises concerns about the lack of meaningful consultation with sex workers in policymaking processes affecting their lives and work. She asserts that their voices and perspectives are indispensable for the development and implementation of effective and empowering human rights-based policies.

In conclusion, Mijatović calls for greater recognition of sex workers' rights and voices, advocating for policies that prioritize their safety, well-being, and agency. By adopting a human rights-based approach and involving sex workers in decision-making processes, societies can better address the challenges faced by this marginalized community while upholding fundamental principles of justice and dignity for all.

In a recent attempt to prey on escorts, scammers masquerading as representatives of a prominent advertising platform have sought personal information from individuals in the escorting community. Despite these challenges, escorts are resilient and proactive in protecting each other.

Linda Kavanagh, spokesperson for Sex Workers Alliance Ireland (SWAI), emphasized that non-national escorts were specifically targeted in this scam. She highlighted the linguistic barriers faced by many in the community, making them susceptible to such schemes.

"Although the language used might raise red flags for some, it's not always apparent to those whose first language isn't English, which is often the case for migrant escorts," Kavanagh explained.

She detailed how escorts were coerced into divulging personal information, with threats of violence and harm looming over those who resisted.

"These threats are not to be taken lightly," Kavanagh stressed, noting the reluctance of many escorts to report such incidents to authorities due to distrust and stigma associated with their profession.

However, amidst these challenges, there's a silver lining. Escorts have been actively supporting each other through platforms like Ugly Mugs Ireland, where they share information to safeguard against potential dangers.

Lucy Smyth, an advocate with Ugly Mugs Ireland, highlighted the importance of solidarity within the escorting community. By sharing screenshots and warning messages, they empower each other to recognize and combat threats collectively.

Smyth, who herself has faced threats and intimidation, emphasized the necessity of legal reforms to ensure the safety and dignity of escorts. Both SWAI and Ugly Mugs advocate for the decriminalization of sex work, aiming to provide escorts with the protections and rights they deserve.

Despite the challenges, law enforcement agencies are urged to take these crimes seriously and provide necessary support to those affected.

As Detective Sergeant Gamble of the PSNI reiterated, every crime reported, regardless of the victim's background, deserves thorough investigation and attention. With dedicated liaison officers and ongoing training, efforts are being made to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the escorting community.

In a similar vein, An Garda Síochána emphasized their commitment to safeguarding individuals involved in sex work, promising to treat reports of crimes against escorts with the utmost seriousness and sensitivity.

With continued advocacy, support, and collaboration, the escorting community strives to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all its members.

No progress has been made on reviewing Ireland’s sex work legislation, more than three years overdue. The Department of Justice is yet to announce a timeline for completion, although Justice Minister Helen McEntee is expected to decide soon. The legislation, which criminalized the purchase of sex in 2017, faced criticism from groups like the Sex Workers Alliance of Ireland (SWAI), advocating for decriminalization. The review, initially assigned to solicitor Maura Butler SC, faced delays, and McEntee announced in July 2023 that a new person would be commissioned to complete it. The current law criminalizes paying for sexual services but not receiving money for them, leading to concerns for sex workers' safety. SWAI argues for full decriminalization, emphasizing that it doesn't mean condoning trafficking or exploitation but recognizing sex work as labor with workers' rights. An Garda Síochána assures that crimes against sex workers are taken seriously, with ongoing engagement and safeguarding checks to protect vulnerable individuals.

The journey toward achieving sex worker rights has been marked by perseverance, with a rising chorus of voices advocating an end to stigma, abuse, and the criminalization of sex work. In a momentous move, the United Nations Working Group on discrimination against women and girls released a groundbreaking report in October, urging the global decriminalization of voluntary adult sex work.

This report meticulously scrutinizes the divisive debates surrounding sex work, which often overshadow the urgent need for evidence-based policies safeguarding the rights of affected women and girls. Extensive research conducted by Human Rights Watch, reputable academic studies, health journals, anti-trafficking organizations, and insights shared by sex workers themselves consistently highlight that criminalization exacerbates the vulnerability of sex workers to violence, including rape, assault, and even murder.

Recent investigations in 2021 underscored that criminalization not only jeopardizes the safety of sex workers but also undermines the efforts of advocates fighting for sex worker rights. These dedicated defenders often play a crucial role in life-saving anti-trafficking work by negotiating access to brothels, identifying sexually exploited children, empowering survivors with access to justice, offering harm reduction strategies, and enhancing healthcare pathways for individuals deprived of their freedom of movement.

This report marks the seventh occasion where the Working Group has addressed sex work. It has persistently championed the decriminalization of adult sex work in various reports focusing on gender discrimination in health, women deprived of liberty, women's rights in the world of work, poverty, as well as in interventions specifically advocating for criminalized sex workers in Nigeria and South Africa.

Multiple UN agencies, such as the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, the World Health Organization, the UN Population Fund, and the UN Development Program, stand in opposition to criminalization. Additionally, prominent civil society organizations like Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the International Planned Parenthood Federation have presented evidence-based policies in support of decriminalizing adult sex work.

Local advocates for sex worker rights navigate a challenging and often hostile environment marked by defamation, smear campaigns, legal hurdles, and, at times, physical violence and retribution for their activism within their communities. The unequivocal support from one of the leading women's rights bodies within the UN is profoundly significant, signifying a genuine acknowledgment of the voices and experiences of sex workers.

The mounting evidence and the increasing network of institutions embracing a rights-based approach signify a clear path forward. Decriminalization emerges as the crucial step for those committed to upholding the rights and justice for all women, fostering an environment that champions dignity, safety, and empowerment.

The remarks made by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz regarding sex work in Germany exhibit a concerning and regressive viewpoint that fails to acknowledge the complexities surrounding this issue. Scholz's stance reflects a moralistic and judgmental perspective rather than a comprehensive understanding of the realities faced by individuals involved in sex work.

His statement condemning the sale of sex as "not acceptable" and expressing a personal moral outrage toward it is fraught with bias and lacks a nuanced approach. By asserting that it's unacceptable for men to purchase women, he simplifies a multifaceted industry into a black-and-white moral issue, disregarding the agency and choices of those engaged in sex work.

Scholz's call for further legal restrictions and a crackdown on sex work not only overlooks the rights and autonomy of individuals in this profession but also fails to address the underlying issues. He vaguely refers to combating abuse, violence, and criminal structures associated with prostitution without providing concrete strategies or acknowledging the potential repercussions of increased criminalization on sex workers' safety.

Furthermore, the proposal to implement bans on purchasing sex work while not penalizing the workers themselves, similar to the Nordic Model, disregards the experiences of countries that have implemented such regulations. Such models have shown adverse effects, including increased risks for sex workers, pushing them into more dangerous working conditions and hindering access to support and healthcare services.

The contrasting opinions within the German government, exemplified by Minister Lisa Paus's affirmation of the current Prostitutes Protection Act, underline the lack of consensus and clarity in addressing this issue. While acknowledging the need for ongoing evaluation until 2025, the government appears divided on how to proceed, leaving the legal status and protection of sex workers uncertain.

The historical context provided regarding the legality of sex work in Germany highlights the evolving nature of legislation and societal perceptions surrounding this profession. However, Scholz's stance represents a disappointing regression towards moralistic judgments rather than a progressive approach that respects the rights and dignity of individuals engaged in sex work.

Carrie Eisert, who works as a policy advisor for Amnesty International, said she was happy with the UN working group’s suggestion. She said:

“The suggestion says that sex workers’ rights should be better protected by international human rights law. This is important because sex workers face a lot of discrimination and violence all over the world.

“It also says that the best way to protect sex workers’ rights is to fully decriminalize adult voluntary sex work. This means that sex workers would not be punished by the law for doing their work, and they would be able to report any abuse or violence they face without fear.

The UN Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls wrote a paper about this suggestion. They talked to sex workers from different parts of the world before writing it, and they will present it officially on 11 October. They also mentioned some research by Amnesty International in Norway, some principles to stop the unfair criminalization of people and communities, and some advocacy work by a group of feminists who support sex workers’ rights.

The government's approach towards addressing demand for sex through prostitution laws is appropriate and requires legislative action. According to Helen McEntee, the Minister of Justice, a tender will be released this week to hire a leading researcher to conduct a comprehensive review of existing prostitution laws, which are governed by Part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) 2017.

The government is currently waiting for the completion of this review before taking any legislative steps regarding sex for rent demands. This follows the introduction of the Ban on Sex for Rent Bill by Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) TD Cian O'Callaghan, who initiated it after an Irish Examiner investigation revealed instances of landlords charging tenants for sexual favors.

However, the bill was rejected by the Oireachtas justice committee due to concerns about its potential impact on trafficked persons and those engaged in consensual sex work.

Subsequently, the Department of Justice promised that once the review is complete, they would consider introducing legislation. They have also stated their commitment to ensuring that any new law is consistent with Ireland's international human rights obligations.

The mandated review into the 2017 Sexual offenses act was due three years after the legislation was implemented. This act made it a criminal offence to purchase sex, along with other regulations which made it harder for prostitutes to work together in safety.  The individual in charge of the review has left the project. The review is now over three years late. SWAI are concerned the review is out of date and want the process to be started afresh. Linda Kavanagh of SWAI said "Despite numerous requests for information on the process, the report’s mechanisms remained opaque.

Linda states the review must have meaningful engagement with sex workers, and is troubled by the lack of transparency in the process.

According to Amnesty International’s annual report on human rights around the world, Ireland has failed to protect the human rights of sex workers. Fiona Crowley, Amnesty International Ireland’s interim director for Human Rights, said: “We have serious concerns about the human rights situation in Ireland in 2022. The criminalisation of some aspects of sex work puts sex workers at greater risk of violence and abuse, including rape, and makes them less likely to trust the police. The government also did not provide adequate truth, justice and reparation for women and children who suffered in Mother and Baby Homes. These are both grave injustices." Amnesty International also expressed concerns about the proposed use of facial recognition technology by Garda in public spaces and the need for a constitutional right to housing amid the worsening housing crisis. Amnesty International’s research published in January 2022 shows that the 2017 law that criminalises some aspects of sex work has a “chilling effect” on sex workers’ human rights. Amnesty International urges the Irish authorities to listen to sex workers and decriminalise all aspects of sex work. The Department of Justice has not yet published the report of a three-year review of the 2017 law. The report also criticises Europe’s double standard on immigration.

Hey, did you hear about this guy Mark McCormick who ran six brothels in Dublin and got caught in 2010? He only spent 16 months in jail and then he asked Google to hide his dirty past from the internet. How crazy is that?

Well, the Irish Independent wrote an article exposing his sneaky move and Google took it down this month. But they put it back up after the newspaper complained. The legal guy at the paper said Google’s way of dealing with these requests is shady and can be easily abused.

He said Google has to weigh up different factors when someone asks them to erase their history, but no one else gets to check what they’re doing.

Gardaí carried out two days of action last week targeting the purchasing of sex across the country. As a result, 46 people were identified as having allegedly purchased sexual services.

There were 65 safeguarding visits conducted, with a view to eliminating the possibility of sexual exploitation and advice was given to 112 sex workers during these visits.

During this period, gardaí will be reaching out in 16 languages to communities across Ireland, offering support and protection to victims of gender-based violence.

A text message campaign has been launched, with over 400 messages sent to sex workers this week alone.

A Co Down man recently sentenced for a catalogue of human trafficking and prostitution offences has appeared in court accused of breaching his Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Order (STPO).

Appearing at Belfast Magistrates Court by video link from police custody, 59-year-old Martin Heaney was charged with breaching the STPO on July 23 by accessing “websites which advertised in person sexual services.”

As part of the STPO imposed by Judge Patrick Lynch QC, Heaney is barred from accessing a plethora of named websites which advertise escort sex services.

We are told by the radical feminist that prostitution is exclusively men buying women.  This is factually incorrect. on several levels.

Men buy the services of women, not the women.

Females also buy sex from men. Often this is on holiday where they give gifts to young men while having sex with them.  They don't consider this as prostitution, but it is.

There are women who do buy the services of men, this has come more into the open since the film Good Luck to You, Leo Grande starring Emma Thompson.

In this SUN article we hear about Jane*, a 56-year-old married PA from London, who says she pays for a male escort – and it’s worth every penny.  He built me towards my first orgasm in decades. And it was worth every penny of the £300 an hour I was paying him to pleasure me.

She continued to see the escort. The escort taught her so much about sex.  Her life got better, she lost weight and felt happier.  Her sex life with her husband has got better.

The Sex Workers Alliance Ireland (SWAI), which promotes the human rights, equality and participation of sex workers, said it was “absolutely devastated to hear this news”. Dr Conway “was an incredible ally to sex workers, hosted several sex workers and allies on her Policed in Ireland podcast and was a massive pro-choice legend with Lawyers for Choice,” SWAI tweeted.

Bob Collins, chairperson of the Policing Authority, said: “Vicky’s contribution to policing was rooted not only in academic curiosity but in a genuine desire to ensure that everyone’s engagement with the Garda Síochána, in particular those most vulnerable in our society, was rooted in a respect for their humanity and a vindication of their human rights.

 

Gheorghe Goidan was jailed for 20 years on the in 2019 for the "ultra-violent" rape of two sex workers on the same day in separate hotels has failed in a bid to have his conviction quashed and his sentence reduced on appeal.

After arranging to meet them in hotel rooms, he pulled a knife and threatened them before repeatedly assaulting and raping both women in two separate attacks.

He had pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault at a hotel in Portlaoise on September 7, 2017.

He had also denied rape, oral rape and anal rape of a second woman at the Maldron Hotel in Galway city on the same day.

Ugly Mugs IE has alleged that predatory men are posing as the Guards to illicit free sex and to rob vulnerable sex workers. Ugly Mugs have handed over a dossier of reports going back to 2016.

Despite selling sex is legal in Ireland, sex workers still view members of the Irish police with suspicion.

Ugly Mugs Ireland is extremely disappointed that a speaker at the International Association of Women in Policing (IAWP) Conference, currently taking place in Dublin , was yesterday permitted to use the prestigious event as a platform to try to discredit important Ugly Mugs data on violence against sex workers in Ireland.

Ugly Mugs (UM) Ireland, a sex worker safety scheme, has published statistical data and reports that show, comparing the two years pre and the two years post the adoption of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 in Ireland, sex workers’ crime reports to UM increased by 91% and violent crime reports specifically increased by 92%.

Lucy Smyth of Ugly Mugs says this increase in violence against sex workers should be being taken seriously by the Gardaí. But, instead, the Garda and IAWP Conference permitted speaker Ruth Breslin of the Sexual Exploitation Research Programme (SERP) at University College Dublin to use their conference as an opportunity to try to completely discredit Ugly Mugs data.

In a report titled We live within a violent system Amnesty International have called for sex work to be decriminilised. A Noridc model law was implemented five years ago in the Republic of Ireland. This law has jeopardised the safty if Irish Escorts, rather than improve their saftey.

The law penalised brothel keeping, supporters of the law arguing that this improves the saftey of sex workers.   Amnesty say the law has a chillin effect, by preventing sex workers from working together for saftey. Sex workers say this can be extremely dangerous. They fear the guards more than the occasional dangerous client.

 

 

A day of action saw the Irish police question people in the Irish escort trade looking for expolited people. One person was identified as exploited and a man was arrested for borthel keeping.

Additinally 77 men were questioned on suspicion of buying sexual services.

This is the question that Kate McGrew, arguably Ireland’s most recognisable escort, asks people to consider as she sits down with Angela O'Shaughnessy

“Part of our work is parsing out perceptions around sexuality, age-old stereotypes and repression. We should be focusing on what sex workers really need and not getting mired down in our old ideas about bad sex versus good sex,” says artist Kate McGrew. McGrew is arguably Ireland’s most recognisable escort. A 20-year industry veteran, she’s also the director of sex-worker led organisation Sex Workers Alliance Ireland, where she gives voice to one of the most...

The Sex Workers’ Alliance of Ireland (SWAI) has received €135,000 from the state in equality funding, despite being refused money from the Department of Justice last year because the group did not accept that “prostitution is inherently exploitative of vulnerable people”.

SWAI, which lobbies for the decriminalisation of sex work to allow those in the industry to work “without fear, judgment or stigma”, got the grant from the Equality Fund, which is administered by Rethink Ireland.

The Sex Workers’ Alliance of Ireland (SWAI) has received €135,000 from the state in equality funding, despite being refused money from the Department of Justice last year because the group did not accept that “prostitution is inherently exploitative of vulnerable people”.

Half of the money came from the Peter Kinney and Lisa Sandquist Foundation, established by the Irish-American philanthropists, and the rest from a dormant accounts fund jointly administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of Children and Equality. SWAI was one of 11 organisations

Human trafficking into Ireland for prostitution has remained hugely problematic during the Covid-19 pandemic, the State’s human rights institution has told the European Union.

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) has raised concerns with the EU about the “systemic failures” in identifying victims of trafficking in Ireland.

The IHREC told a private meeting of rapporteurs that there is an “urgent need” for a national identification referral process to be put in place, and for the HSE to embrace their role in assisting victims of trafficking.

A SPECIAL GARDA unit has been set up to tackle organised prostitution.

The national unit has been established under the Garda National Protective Services Bureau. It will police “all aspects of organised criminality within the sex trade, including the enforcement of legislation criminalising the purchase of sexual services”, according to a garda spokesman.

The unit is under the responsibility of the Assistant Commissioner in charge of Organised and Serious Crime, based at Harcourt Square in Dublin.

You don’t know who I am in Limerick. I will end you,” the man spat down angrily into Barbara Babeurre’s face as she attempted to push him out the door, trying not to inhale the stench of his armpits.

“I thought he was going to beat the shit out of me,” Ms Babeurre said.

“I told him I’d call the guards when he refused to leave and he said, ‘what about you? You’re working together, what you do is illegal. It's a brothel.’ 

“I was shocked. That’s the first time anyone ever said that to me.” 

The Sex Workers Alliance Ireland (SWAI), a peer-led service for anyone who sells sex, estimates that violence against sex workers has increased by 92% since the End Demand model was introduced in 2017.

The Sexual Offences Act 2017 prohibited the purchase of sex and increased penalties for workers sharing a premises.

SWAI has been calling for the legalisation and regulation of sex work which they say will better protect workers.

Ms Babeurre agrees. She has worked in Germany, France, the UK, her native Czech Republic and Ireland.

She said that she felt safest working in Germany, where both selling and buying sex are legal, regulated and taxed.

Criminalising women for working together — labeled as brothel-keeping — is endangering the lives of sex workers, she believes.

But she also believes that criminalising the buyer endangers sex workers by pushing the trade further into the shadows.

 

There have been 59 people prosecuted for paying for sex with a prostitute since it became illegal nearly four years ago.

According to Freedom of Information files, the offences allegedly took place in eight different counties.

Since April 2017, it has been illegal to buy sexual services from a prostitute and figures released by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) show there were no related prosecutions in 2017, seven in 2018, 29 in 2019 and 23 last year.

MORE than 50 per cent of sex workers are still having to work amid the Covid-19 pandemic while a fresh influx of women have turned to prostitution to survive after being laid off due to the lockdown.

Sex worker Kate McGrew opens up to us about how lockdown measures left them faced with the difficult choice of social-distancing with no income or continuing to carry out in-person work out of necessity at a risk to their own and others’ safety.

In an exclusive interview with the Irish Sun, Kate reveals how over half of sex workers are still having to engage in intimate work despite the number of Covid cases.

The sex worker, artist and activist blasts the Government for providing “a lack of supports for sex workers” despite the industry being hammered by the deadly pandemic, leaving many escorts with “no viable alternatives” to doing their work.

Brothel boss Martin ‘The Beast’ Morgan is now facing extradition and arrest after trying to dodge handing over three-months' worth of ill-gotten gains.

The fallout from that arrest continued this week in the High Court where a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

The Beast failed to pay €243,000 which had been calculated as the profit he made from the brothel between August and October in 2005.

At his criminal trial the lowest income from a single night of the brothel’s operation was €4,100.

Men paying for sex are seeking women to act as their “real girlfriend” or a “real porn star” – or even both – and write online reviews complaining when they don’t get what they want, according to a new study.

The research says violence is “endemic” in the sex trade, with many women reporting fear of violence and actual physical and sexual violence.

A study conducted by the Sexual Exploitation Research Programme in UCD said that on a typical day there were more than 650 people advertising their services on Escort Ireland, the country’s largest prostitution advertising platform – about a third of them outside urban areas.

The report, funded by the Department of Justice, said traumatic consequences of prostitution, and trafficking, include physical injuries, long-term chronic pain and severe mental health problems.

They said the most effective way of doing this was to cut off demand.

The research-backed laws, introduced in 2017, criminalising the purchase of sex – a law which is currently being reviewed by the Department of Justice.

More than eight in ten people investigated for brothel-keeping since laws were changed to protect sex workers were women, according to new figures.

Helen McEntee, the justice minister, said that there have been 60 reported incidents of brothel-keeping since then. Of the 37 suspects, 31 were female and six were male. Of the 20 suspects charged or summoned, 17 were female and only three were male.

Amnesty International Ireland has called for legislation which protects sex workers.

It has made a submission to the Dept. of Justice on the review of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017.

AI says the law, which criminalises the purchase of sex, has prompted a 92% increase in violent attacks on sex workers.

The law banning the purchase of sex, introduced in 2017, has had a profoundly negative impact on the health and wellbeing of sex workers, a new report has found. 

https://www.hivireland.ie/policy-news-and-media/research/sex-worker-lives-under-the-law/

https://www.hivireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/HIV-Ireland_SexWorkerLives_FINAL.pdf

Key findings from the research highlight the extent to which sex workers manage their lives within the context of ‘structural violence’ and exacerbated by the current law.  As a result, sex workers experience poorer protection from violence and abuse, increased risks from unsafe sex including HIV, and limited access to key health supports and interventions.

Participants in the research outlined how sex workers are limited in their abilities to manage health risks in a context where they must operate covertly to avoid detection. This had an additional negative impact on mental health outcomes.

Migrant sex workers described the need to remain invisible in order to conceal both their sex work and their migrant status, leading to increased vulnerability and compromises on health and safety.

To me, there is no services, everything that there is, there’s no place to go if you’re hurt, I mean I would never go to the cops in a million years. Where are you going to go, who are you going to say anything to?

As a sex worker if someone does something to me, I should be able to find someone to help me. But I absolutely cannot, even though I am just doing a job like any other job.

So many people live absolutely horrible lives, not because of what they do, but because they don’t have any protection when anything happens, unlike any other group in society/

 

More than 80 academics, lawyers, doctors, criminologists have lodged a submission advocating repealing Ireland's sex work laws.

The current law increases sex workers’ vulnerability to sexual violence, assaults, coercion, and financial abuse, and makes it more difficult for them to seek protection from the gardaí and the courts for assaults committed against them.

oin Glow West for another live podcast, this time with Kate McGrew from Sex Workers Alliance Ireland. Kate explains how covid has impacted sex workers in Ireland, and why it is important for sex workers and allies to contribute to the current review of sex work laws in Ireland which closes on Sept 11th. Under the current law, violent attacks on sex workers have increased by 92%. Kate also explains the differences between the Nordic model and decriminalisation, and why harm reduction can help keep sex workers safe.

The Department of Justice on 18 September 2019 laid in the Assembly a report of an independent review into the operation of the offence of purchasing sexual services.

It is quite unambiguous in its findings. The law appears to have failed in almost every conceivable respect.  The report is unique among Nordic Model jurisdictions in that it had a prevalance data from before the law was brought in. No other jurasdiction bothered to scope the sex industry first, so no one else has before and after statistics.

Most entrants to sex work stated money was the reason. Veru fe stated being forced. 93.3% said they had never been coerced or trafficked. 64.6 % said they dipped into and out of sex work, while 46% said they had another job. 1in 5 were full time students.

77% said the abstained from alcohol while working and 97.5% said the same about drugs. This is a complete contrast to the drugged up hooker sterotype.

56% said the law mad sex work more dangerous, while 14% said it was less dangerous since the law was enacted.

The PSNI say the paramilitary are not involved in trafficking. The PSNI also stated thay online ads helped them in detecting victims of trafficing.

The report also discussed the laws's impact in helping sex workers leave. In other words zero help at all. No ne support has been offered.

 

Kate McGrew, Sex Workers Alliance Ireland (SWAI) Coordinator, spoke to Extra.ie about the various efforts made to support sex workers during this uncertain time.

Kate told of how some sex workers have moved their work online, arranging virtual appointments with clients — however this isn’t an option for everyone.

The organisation also set up a hardship fund so they could send money out to people, roughly €100, and are relieved to be able to send out a second round of the fund,.