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10/03/2017
SIPTU Welcomes Measures In New Sexual Offences Bill
Measures which criminalise prostitution in the new Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 have been welcomed by trade union SIPTU.
The Bill passed both Houses of the Oireachtas last month.
The new legislation strengthens laws to combat child pornography and prevent the sexual grooming of children. It also amends provisions on incest and indecent exposure.
In addition, it includes measures which criminalise the purchase of sex and ensure vulnerable women, children and men in prostitution can access supports.
SIPTU National Campaigns and Equality Organiser, Karan O Loughlin, said the union has been a long-time supporter of the Turn Off the Red Light campaign and this new Bill will achieve its aims.
"The vital role that the trade union movement played in bringing about this new law was acknowledged by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, at an event yesterday (Wednesday, 8th March) to mark International Women's Day and the passing of the Act," she said.
"At the event in Dublin Castle the Minister commended the new law and highlighted the importance of the activity of the ICTU Women's Committee on this issue.
"It is the SIPTU position that the best way to end sexual exploitation is to target demand by making it illegal to pay for sex while at the same time supporting those most vulnerable to abuse. We have always rejected the notion that the traffickers, pimps and other criminals operating the sex 'trade' will ever respect the rights of workers. Any suggestion that pimps will ever become model employers flies in the face of reality and the experience in other countries.
"We welcome the passing of this vital piece of legislation and are proud that Ireland has joined the international trend to target those who perpetuate abuse."
(LM/MH)
The Bill passed both Houses of the Oireachtas last month.
The new legislation strengthens laws to combat child pornography and prevent the sexual grooming of children. It also amends provisions on incest and indecent exposure.
In addition, it includes measures which criminalise the purchase of sex and ensure vulnerable women, children and men in prostitution can access supports.
SIPTU National Campaigns and Equality Organiser, Karan O Loughlin, said the union has been a long-time supporter of the Turn Off the Red Light campaign and this new Bill will achieve its aims.
"The vital role that the trade union movement played in bringing about this new law was acknowledged by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, at an event yesterday (Wednesday, 8th March) to mark International Women's Day and the passing of the Act," she said.
"At the event in Dublin Castle the Minister commended the new law and highlighted the importance of the activity of the ICTU Women's Committee on this issue.
"It is the SIPTU position that the best way to end sexual exploitation is to target demand by making it illegal to pay for sex while at the same time supporting those most vulnerable to abuse. We have always rejected the notion that the traffickers, pimps and other criminals operating the sex 'trade' will ever respect the rights of workers. Any suggestion that pimps will ever become model employers flies in the face of reality and the experience in other countries.
"We welcome the passing of this vital piece of legislation and are proud that Ireland has joined the international trend to target those who perpetuate abuse."
(LM/MH)
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