We think it was Charles Dickens who first coined the phrase ‘the law is an ass‘ back in 1838 when he wrote Oliver Twist, and we have been using it ever since.  Particularly when it comes to the current sex Laws in Ireland.  Like Norway, it is legal to sell sex BUT ILLEGAL TO PURCHASE SEX, but now there is a new campaign to change the law. 

The new Bill that has been launched is seeking a full decriminalization of sex work as well as regulations that would centre the safety of sex workers.  It will remove criminal sanctions for sex workers working together or hiring others to help them in their work, such as security guards or drivers.

The main objective of the ‘Norway Code’ was to abolish the sex industry by punishing the purchase of sexual services, but the reality is that it has been criticised for making working in the sex industry more difficult.

Red Umbrella Éireann, who are one of the co-creators, said This bill is a direct response to this policy failure. Corroborated by thorough research and consultations with sex workers, this legislation directly addresses the dangers sex workers face — from reducing the risk of being a target for predators to removing barriers to reporting exploitation.”

People Before Profit TD Ruth Coppinger. added “Gender based violence and violence against queer people is rampant in every part of society. Any hint of further marginalisation or stigmatising of sex workers, of course, may worsen the type of violence they are vulnerable to experiencing.”