Legislation

In November 2014 the Minister for Justice and Equality of the time, Frances Fitzgerald TD, introduced the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Heads of Bill, which included provisions to criminalise the purchase of sex. Over the three years of legislative progress the decriminalisation of the sale of sex was explicitly introduced to the legislation, having been highlighted as a core requirement of the Nordic model. Below is the legislation both as it was first introduced in 2015 and as it was passed in 2017.

Final legislation:

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017

 As introduced to Seanad Eireann in Oct 2015:

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015

An overview of the legislation can be read here, as it was first introduced in 2014.

Impact:

Here you can read/hear the Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald’s address to mark the passage of the Sexual Offences Act:

Today, I was delighted to mark the passing of the Sexual Offences Act 2017 with the groups involved in the Turn Off the Red Light campaign. I firmly believe, this legislation will make such a difference in tackling the considerable damage caused, overwhelmingly to women, by prostitution.  The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 is the culmination of a long campaign by those in this room and many, many others to fight the abuse and exploitation which is so widely associated with prostitution. The commitment, drive and fortitude of the many groups involved in the campaign can never be overstated and today is also a day to recognise your resolve.

I believe that support for targeting the demand for prostitution and criminalising the purchase of sexual services – in particular as a tool to combat trafficking – is strengthening across the EU and further afield. 

Regardless of the various approaches which can be taken to prostitution – be it criminalisation, decriminalisation, legalisation and regulation – there will always be those involved in prostitution who live in the shadows. They live under the control and direction of others or of their own personal circumstances. These are incredibly vulnerable people. It is all too easy for those purchasing sex through prostitution to turn a blind eye and to ignore the reality that their behaviour supports the exploitation and misery of other people, including through human trafficking. So we now send a message. If you purchase sexual services through prostitution you are no longer removed from the responsibility for the exploitation of persons through prostitution. You can no longer ignore the consequences of your actions.

This law is about defending human rights. It is about recognising and upholding human rights. We must support and defend the rights of all those abused through prostitution, but even more so we must reduce the risk of today’s young girls and boys being drawn into tomorrow’s prostitution. I repeat the message – we are targeting those who demand these services because it is their behaviour that supports the exploitation of others and that can no longer be ignored. #IWD2017

Survivor/Activist Mia deFaoite spoke at an event to mark the passing of the legisation and completion of the campaign. This event was attended by key political champions, activists, campaigners and project partners.