Sex and Sexuality, the changing face of Ireland

The changing face of Ireland

I got the opportunity to hook up with an old friend and spend the weekend in Dublin. It goes without saying that one of our planned stops had to be The Ann Summers shop on O’Connell Street.

I remember the controversy when it opened. “Oh my, how dare a foreign retailer come in and impose their low moral standards on the Irish,” was the cry. And on O’Connell Street above all places, near the G.P.O. (The general post office, which was the site where the proclamation of independence was read in 1916) “Keep your filth out,” they cried. And what year did this outrage come about, the shaming of the nation? It may surprise you to hear it was only in 1999!

Well, it has to be said that the nation seems to have gotten over itself. There was no sign of the recession as we went through its doors; the place was thronged with people; male and female, young(although adult!) and old. There’s this little hut in the centre, like a pleasure dome, which houses all the vibrators, jiggle balls etc. This pleasure dome has an attendant there, a lively young lass who comes over to offer “advice” as soon as she sees you looking at something. I have to admit, I’d have had to be pretty desperate for a job to work there, as I wouldn’t have the nerve. It’s one thing writing about sex in the comfort of your own home but it would take a brave lass to stand there, pushing buttons and explaining exactly what each function does, meanwhile asking the customer what exactly they are looking for in a product. I was standing in one section, examining some anal toys when she landed over. I had an idea what I was after, but still got a hop when she came over offering help. Jaysus, I was twice her age and I could feel myself coming over all flustered. I just wanted to see the size of the object and strength of the vibrations, I didn’t need the birds and the bees talk! I convinced her I knew what I was after and that I was grand, but thanks all the same.

My friend was a little less fortunate, she switched on a vibrator and the damn thing wouldn’t go off so she had to get the young lassie to turn it off for her…oh the shame. The assistant reassured us it was just a question of holding the on off button for a few seconds, and bingo, it worked. I tried the same theory on the little one I bought when I got home; doesn’t bleeding work, you have to unscrew the battery compartment; try that with hands smathered in lube and the sound of footsteps in the landing. L

A few interesting facts…

In 1935, contraceptive devices could no longer be imported or offered for sale in Ireland. (But you could make an unsolicited “invitation to treat” or offer to buy if you knew where to go.)

In 1971, Irish feminists took part in the so called “Condom Train,” bringing contraceptive devices from Belfast to Dublin, showing the law to be an ass.

In 1973, the Supreme Court affirmed the right to “Marital Privacy” so great, marvellous; married couples could use contraception if they so desired…the problem was where to source them.

In 1978,  A bill  came into being to enable the limited provision of contraceptives for bona fide "family planning or for adequate medical reasons" in chemists, although this didn’t specify married couples, it was largely taken to mean that. In time skin conditions such as acne, or menstrual complaints were used to over-ride the “married” issue.

In 1985 Condoms and spermicides could be sold in chemist shops without a prescription to those over 18. Slight problem here: the age of consent was 17 and you could get married with parental consent at 16, though presumably, the law being an ass again, your marriage could not be consummated until a year later!

In the early 1990's intentions to open a "sex shop" i.e. an adult shop brought outrage and resulted in "pray in" protests.

In 1992, a change in the law allowed over 17’s to buy contraceptives although the pill was still requiring a prescription.

In 2003 the morning after pill became available, by prescription in Ireland. But still many doctors refused to prescribe it, considering it abortive and unethical.

In 2011 the morning after pill became available without prescription.

Abortion is a whole other issue, and the rights and wrongs could be argued until the cows come home, but for those who are interested in questioning the law, you need look no further than the tragic case of Savita Halappanavar, in 2012.

.