Independent Senator for Donegal Eileen Flynn is campaigning for an end to the outdated term of “child pornography” in the Irish legal system.
Tomorrow, Senators will vote on the Child Trafficking and Child Sexual Exploitation Material (Amendment) Bill 2022 which proposes to change the term to “child sexual abuse material”.
The language obscures exploitation and retraumatises survivors, according to Senators Eileen Flynn, Frances Black, Alice-Mary Higgins and Lynn Ruane of the Civil Engagement Group (CEG) which initiated the amendment.
Senator Flynn stated: “Language shapes reality. Using terms like ‘child pornography’ implies consent where none exists. This change is about naming these crimes for what they are: exploitation and abuse of children. We have a responsibility to make sure our language reflects the true harm of these crimes. It’s time to call it what it is. Using accurate terminology affects how crimes are perceived, prosecuted and how survivors heal.”
Speaking in support of the amendments, the Rape Crisis Network Ireland said “The traumatic impact of child sexual abuse material is devastating and referring to the creation and use of this abuse as akin to adult entertainment trivialises this impact. We therefore welcome these changes and thank the CEG for their work in advocating for this change in bringing this Bill forward.”
