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MLAs debating Human Trafficking Bill at Stormont MLAs debate Human Trafficking Bill at Stormont
(7 months later)
MLAs have been debating the latest stage of a bill that tightens the law in relation to human trafficking. MLAs have begun debating the latest stage of a bill that tightens the law in relation to human trafficking.
The bill, drawn up by the DUP peer Lord Morrow, contains a clause that would make it a crime for anyone to pay for sex.The bill, drawn up by the DUP peer Lord Morrow, contains a clause that would make it a crime for anyone to pay for sex.
Justice Minister David Ford opposes the move.Justice Minister David Ford opposes the move.
However, there is increasing speculation the ban on paying for sex will be approved with backing from both the DUP and Sinn Féin.However, there is increasing speculation the ban on paying for sex will be approved with backing from both the DUP and Sinn Féin.
Finance Minister Simon Hamilton is also proposing an amendment that would make it an offence for anyone to force someone else into marriage.Finance Minister Simon Hamilton is also proposing an amendment that would make it an offence for anyone to force someone else into marriage.
The amendment has been drawn up by Mr Hamilton, whose department has responsibility for registering births marriages and deaths.The amendment has been drawn up by Mr Hamilton, whose department has responsibility for registering births marriages and deaths.
The amendment reflects the introduction of a similar offence in England, Wales and Scotland earlier this year.The amendment reflects the introduction of a similar offence in England, Wales and Scotland earlier this year.
The move is expected to be supported by Mr Ford.The move is expected to be supported by Mr Ford.
There are more than 60 amendments to the Human Trafficking Bill and MLAs have not yet voted on the clause that bans payment for sex.
Outside the assembly, a group of sex workers wearing face masks made their opposition clear.
'Laughing stock'
Sex worker Laura Lee said Northern Ireland would regret the move.
"I think it will be absolutely disgraceful and I think that we'll be able to show it as the failed model for what it is and we'll be the laughing stock of Europe," she said.
A trafficking victim, known only as Anna, watched the debate and rejected the argument that a ban would push sex workers further underground.
"The people who are saying that these laws, if they are put in place, would force it underground, I would say they are just trying to create panic when there is not any reason to panic because this is already underground," she said.
"The only thing which would go underground would be the sex industry which would have to lose major income."
The debate is due to last until late on Monday night.The debate is due to last until late on Monday night.
Earlier, Mr Ford said he supported the spirit of the bill, but believed that a clause that proposed prosecuting those caught paying for sex made it impractical.Earlier, Mr Ford said he supported the spirit of the bill, but believed that a clause that proposed prosecuting those caught paying for sex made it impractical.
Research published last week suggested that about 17,500 men pay for sex each year in Northern Ireland.Research published last week suggested that about 17,500 men pay for sex each year in Northern Ireland.
The study by Queen's University, Belfast, was commissioned by the Department of Justice in response to Lord Morrow's proposed bill.The study by Queen's University, Belfast, was commissioned by the Department of Justice in response to Lord Morrow's proposed bill.
Meanwhile, another poll has indicated that almost 80% of people in Northern Ireland support the criminalisation of paying for sex.Meanwhile, another poll has indicated that almost 80% of people in Northern Ireland support the criminalisation of paying for sex.
The Ipsos Mori survey found support for the Human Trafficking Bill was strongest among people aged between 16 to 34.The Ipsos Mori survey found support for the Human Trafficking Bill was strongest among people aged between 16 to 34.