‘We’re not having it anymore’: 'Sex-for-rent' legislation welcomed by founder of Cork Sexual Violence Centre

The founder and chief executive of the Sexual Violence Centre in Cork, Mary Crilly, has said that introducing legislation to criminalise sex-for-rent arrangements marks an important step towards developing stricter safeguarding measures for Irish women.

The proposed legislation, which would see the criminalisation of sex-for-rent arrangements, passed through the Seanad on Thursday.

The bill would prohibit the exchange of sexual services in consideration of a reduced rent or in lieu of rent and will now return to Dáil chambers for final debate on July 15.

Speaking to The Echo, Ms Crilly said that through her experience working with vulnerable service users in Cork: “I know for a fact that this issue has taken a toll on women”.

“I really welcome the legislation,” said Ms Crilly.

We're not having it anymore

“I think it will really blow things open. Having legislation in place really opens the door and says: ‘This is happening, Ireland sees it, and we’re not having it anymore’.

“It’s very hard for people at the moment — there is no accommodation, there is no housing. But people who are abusing this, letting rooms and houses under these circumstances — they need to he held to account,” said Ms Crilly.

“I think it really goes back to how women are seen and treated in this society, that it was tolerated and OK up to now to use women.

“We have had women come to the centre and say they didn’t know if this was against the law.

“So this legislation at least says to women that this is illegal.”

Ms Crilly said the passing of this bill could prompt further developments in the realm of public safeguarding, including the opportunity to introduce a standalone legislation criminalising spiking.

“It’s gotten so much worse over the years,” she said. 

“It’s no longer just about getting someone in a vulnerable position to assault them, it’s being used for the craic.”

Held accountable

Cork-based senator Laura Harmon said the Government must now ensure the bill progresses through the final stage and that “those who seek to exploit people in precarious housing situations are held accountable”.

“This marks an important step for vulnerable renters and for everyone who has campaigned to end the exploitative and abusive practice of sex for rent,” said Ms Harmon.

“The reality is that Ireland’s housing crisis has created conditions where some people are being targeted with offers that are coercive, degrading, and exploitative.

“Criminalising sex for rent is about justice, dignity, and protection.

“It is about recognising that consent cannot exist where there is a severe imbalance of power and where someone is facing the prospect of homelessness,” she added.

“We must now send the clearest possible message that this predatory behaviour will not be tolerated.”