Sex workers’ group takes aim at Government plans

Speaking to mark International Sex Workers Day, SWAI co-ordinator Kate McGrew said recent Amnesty International research had exposed “the dangers of the ‘Nordic Model’, which the Irish Government is proposing in the Sexual Offences Bill”.

The group is encouraging sex workers to influence the agenda by sharing their own stories on social media.

Ms McGrew said: ” research highlights the importance of listening to sex workers, to clearly understand how laws affect their ability to keep themselves safe and access justice.

“This social media action today is about highlighting the realities and complexities of sex workers’ lives. Too often sex workers are portrayed and reduced to victims or criminals.

“We need to move on from the stereotypes and assumptions and look at the actuality of people’s lives.”

A sex worker going by the name Aoife said: “Failure to listen to our needs and experiences results in bad laws that do more harm than good and puts us at risk of more violence and abuse.

“Sex workers in Ireland for so long have been ignored, stigmatised and stereotyped. Today we are saying no more.

“Decision makers must listen to us, actual sex workers, the very people any policy or law will impact.”