One year has passed since Ireland criminalised the purchase of sex. On 23 March 2017, Ireland followed Canada, Norway, Sweden and others by punishing men who use prostitutes. Buyers now face a fine of between €500 and €1,000, or up to five years in prison if the sex worker has been trafficked.
The so-called Nordic model is intended to cut demand on what proponents say is an inherently violent and misogynistic trade. But so far in Ireland, it has been ambiguously enforced by police. Critics say it has compromised the safety of workers.
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