A judge in Ontario has overturned key Canadian anti-prostitution laws, finding they force sex workers into the streets at risk to their safety. She ruled with three prostitutes who had challenged bans on brothels, pimps and solicitation. The ruling applies to Ontario province but could, if upheld on appeal, allow the rest of Canada to follow suit. One sex worker said she no longer had to fear rape, robbery and murder. The government is weighing an appeal. 'Emancipation day' Finding the laws unconstitutional, Justice Susan Himel called on the Canadian parliament to regulate the sex trade. "These laws... force prostitutes to choose between their liberty, interest and their right to security of the person," she wrote in a 131-page ruling in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Plaintiff Terri Bedford, described in court documents as a prostitute who had been beaten and raped while working in the streets of Windsor, Calgary and Vancouver, said: "It's like emancipation day for sex trade workers." Ms Bedford said she hoped to work as a dominatrix. "The federal government must now take a stand and clarify what is legal and not legal between consenting adults in private," she said. Justice Himel found national laws banning brothels, forbidding solicitation of clients, and banning Canadians from managing sex workers as pimps or madams violated a provision of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guaranteeing "the right to life, liberty and security". Supporters of the overturned laws fear the ruling will make Canada a haven for human traffickers. The ruling will not go into effect for 30 days, giving the government time to appeal if it chooses. Street prostitution in Canada has been under increased scrutiny in recent years following the trial of Robert Pickton, a Vancouver pig farmer convicted in 2007 in the killings of six sex workers. Pickton is suspected in dozens more killings. A Canadian court this summer denied him a new trial. Original Article
It's compromosing as a Christian to say this, but this really is good news. Brothels are a much safer option than street hookers. If prostition is going to happen one way or another(and it is), it's better to keep it off the streets. This is the same way I feel about drugs.
I agree here. From a legal standpoint, prostitution should be allowed. I feel the same way about many issues. Morally wrong, legally okay.
