21/08/2012

Changes To Prostitution Laws Goes To Public Consultation

A public consultation on proposed changes to prostitution and human trafficking laws in Northern Ireland will begin on Tuesday afternoon.

The new bill aims to make it an offence to pay for sexual services, and to provide better services for victims of trafficking.

If passed, the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Bill, proposed by the DUP's Lord Morrow, would see Northern Ireland taking the lead in UK human trafficking law.

Other points in the Stormont bill include extending the definition of 'other exploitation' to include forced begging; defining a victim of trafficking and outlining compensation procedures for victims.

The consultation period ends on 18 October.

(H)




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