Sex for Rent law passes today, Senator Laura Harmon welcomes progress
Sex for Rent law passes today, Senator Laura Harmon welcomes progress - The Labour Party
Senator Laura Harmon first introduced legislation on this issue in early 2025, which was subsequently taken forward by the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan.
Senator Harmon said:
“I welcome the passing of this law, which criminalises sex for rent. This is a significant step forward for vulnerable people and tenants in Ireland, and one I have been campaigning for over many years. I am pleased that Minister O’Callaghan took on board legislation I introduced to the Oireachtas early last year.
“It is inconceivable that this practice did not have its own statutory provision until now. We must protect vulnerable people in the rental sector, particularly women, migrants and international students. Research by the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) found that 5% of female international students had either been offered accommodation in exchange for sex or had seen a room advertised on that basis. We have also seen similarly alarming findings from the National Women’s Council.
“Those who seek to exploit people in precarious housing situations must now be held to account. Predatory behaviour of this kind must be stamped out. The housing crisis has created an environment in which this form of exploitation has been allowed to emerge and persist. We must ensure our legislation keeps pace with the risks people face as a result of housing insecurity. I will continue to advocate for stronger protections for tenants and greater access to safe, secure and affordable housing for all.”