Anti-prostitution ad will be aired despite complaints, says ASAI

AN ADVERTISEMENT running on RTÉ Radio that aims to raise awareness of criminal links to prostitution will not be taken off the air despite complaints.

The advertisement was the subject of a protest to the Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland within 24 hours of being first broadcast on Morning Ireland last Monday.

The hard-hitting 30-second segment features the sounds of a woman being threatened by her pimp. It also asks listeners to report exploitation if they come across it.

The Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI), which is running the campaign, says it believes the complaints are from people sympathetic to the sex trade.

There has also been criticism online from some Twitter accounts. One named UglyMugs.ie – whose profile includes the tagline ‘Working together for a safer escort industry in Ireland’ – tweeted: ‘New radio campaign calling on public to report sex workers to gardaí will lead to more criminalisation & garda abuse.’

The account of Laura Lee, whose description states ‘Irish mother, writer, animal lover, perpetual student and sex workers’ rights campaigner’, tweeted: ‘ICI now urging the public to report “pimps”, lovely day for a spot of racial profiling.’

However, the advertisement does not fall within the remit of the ASAI as it does not seek donations. RTE also confirmed that the advertisement will remain on the air for the duration of the campaign.

ICI chief executive Denise Charlton said: ‘Those who profit from organised prostitution have been involved in repeated efforts to keep the facts from the public.’