WITH increasing pressure to tackle the areas of Limerick city that are swathed in prostitution, local TDs are now being urged to push for the relevant provisions to be made in legislation to end abuse, exploitation and trafficking of young women to the Irish sex industry.
Doras Luimní, the Limerick based migrant support group are challenging TDs to use the new Dáil term to introduce laws targeting sex buyers in order to end abuse, exploitation and trafficking.
The call by group follows a unanimous recommendation from the Oireachtas Justice Committee for such laws after an extensive process which attracted 800 written submissions and public hearings.
As part of one of the 68 strong organisations forming the Turn Off the Red Light Campaign, Doras Luimní is seeking the new laws and has the support of trade unions, employers, emergency workers, survivors of prostitution, farming groups, human rights organisations and many more.
Karen McHugh, CEO, said: “A milestone has been reached in the efforts to shut down the pimps and traffickers whose actions have brought organised prostitution to every part of Ireland, including our local communities here in the Mid West.
“It is now well over a year since the Government announced a review of the laws on prostitution. Since then the Oireachtas Justice Committee has examined the issues involved in detail and has come to the unanimous conclusion that the way forward is to introduce laws targeting the buyers of sex,” added the group’s CEO.
In December 2011, over two dozen men were brought before the courts for soliciting under cover gardai for the purposes of sex. But the group and the members of the TORL campaign are looking for legislators to go one step further and enact laws that will target the buyers of sex on the street.
“That recommendation is a tribute not only to our partners in the Turn Off the Red Light Campaign but also to the many local people who as individuals have joined us in calling for change. Throughout this time however, the criminals have continued their work.
“We know this is a fact given that 19 children discovered in Irish ‘commercial sex’ during 2012 and escort websites advertise an average of 800 women for sale online every day.”
Ms McHugh continued: “The issues involved have been debated and the recommendation has been made. It is time now for the politicians to act on the cross party support which has been achieved. We are calling on all our local TD to ensure there is no further delay and to seek the introduction of legislation as a matter of urgency.
Last week, unknown pranksters posted signs on three street corners in the city highlighting areas of a “Red Light District” and supposed hours of operation.
This met was met with anger amongst the business and residential community in the affected areas.
The Doras CEO is urging that “It is also important that local people continue to call for the ending of this crime in our communities and we are asking them to add their voice to the campaign through www.turnofftheredlight.ie/action.
There is an opportunity for real change and Ms McHugh said there is a “chance to offer hope to hundreds of women currently trapped in prostitution. If we let it slip by then many more will end up at risk of a life of threats, abuse and violence.”
via Legislation needed to target sex buyers (556) | Limerick Post Newswrite.
