01/06/2015

Paying For Sex Becomes Illegal In NI

Paying for sex has now become illegal in Northern Ireland.

The law comes into effect today, Monday 1 June.

Legislation was passed last year in the Assembly and carries the a penalty of up to one year in prison and a £1,000 fine.

The Department of Justice said: "Under the new law, it will be illegal to obtain, for payment, sexual services from anyone, whether or not there is exploitation.

"The sexual services which will be illegal must involve the buyer being physically present with the seller and there must either be physical sexual contact or the seller must perform sexual acts where they touch themselves for the sexual gratification of the buyer."

"Under the legislation, payment includes money or the provision of goods or services."

(LM)

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