Northern Ireland's prostitution laws to be reviewed after sex worker's legal challenge

The news comes amid renewed debate into the legalisation of sex work, around the UK

Sex worker Laura Lee launched the legal challenge, arguing criminalisation reduces sex workers' safety (Laura Lee)

The Belfast High Court has granted leave for a judicial review to be heard into Northern Ireland's sex work laws.

Under current legislation, it is illegal for buyers to pay for sex in Northern Ireland.

In an unprecdented case, a sex worker has taken launched a legal challenge against the laws, saying they expose sex workers to greater danger as it means they are more likely to have to operate alone. Laura Lee, a sex worker and Dublin-born law graduate, has brought the case. She claims the legislation is a breach of human rights entitlements to privacy and freedom from discrimination.

Northern Ireland is the only region of the UK where it is a criminal offence to pay for sex. Purchase of sexual services became a criminal offence under a private member's bill brought before Stormont by MLA Lord Morrow, from the evangelical Christian party DUP. Lord Morrow argued criminalisation of buyers would reduce sexual exploitation, while penalising clients but not workers.

Northern Ireland's Attorney General John Larkin has opposed the review and called for proceedings to be thrown out at the first stage.

Dates for the judicial review will be announced shortly.

Ms Lee's legal counsel Steven McQuitty told Belfast High Court the issue should not be framed as a debate about morality but one of safety and human rights. He said: "We simply say the current law operates to make sex work in Northern Ireland more dangerous, particulalry for women given most sex workers are women."

The news comes amid renewed debate into the legislation and legalisation of sex work. Last year, human rights group Amnesty International announced support for decriminalisation.

The House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee is currently conducting a review into UK legislation on sex work.