Canada is the New Amsterdam: Prostitution Decriminalized (Almost)

[aduidarnenye]

There was a big court ruling in Ontario that effectively decriminalizes prostitution in Canada. Prostitution itself wasn't illegal but there were a lot of stuff around it that was (like solicitation).

http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/...018/story.html

Three federal prostitution laws are unconstitutional, an Ontario Superior Court judge ruled yesterday, opening the path for decriminalization of the sex-trade industry in Canada.

The landmark ruling strikes down the laws in Ontario, for now, but if it survives an appeal, it will allow for other municipalities and jurisdictions in Canada to follow suit.

In a 131-page ruling, Justice Susan Himel wrote that the laws in the Criminal Code prohibiting sex-trade workers from running a bawdy house, communicating for the purpose of prostitution and living off the avails of prostitution put their lives at risk.

"These laws, individually and together, force prostitutes to choose between their liberty interest and their right to security of the person as protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms," she said in a decision that has been on reserve for more than a year.

Prostitution is not illegal in Canada. Many aspects of prostitution have been criminalized by Parliament, however. The provisions struck down by the judge relate to adult prostitution and do not affect prohibitions involving people under age 18 or measures to prosecute pimps.

"I find the danger faced by prostitutes greatly outweighs any harm that may be faced by the public," Himel wrote.

The ruling does not go into effect for 30 days, to give the federal government time to appeal.

Yesterday, federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson said the government was "very concerned" about the decision and was "seriously considering an appeal."

It is expected the case will be argued all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Dominatrix Terri-Jean Bedford and prostitutes Valerie Scott and Amy Lebovitch started the constitutional challenge five years ago, arguing the laws drive prostitutes onto the streets and limit the ability to talk to prospective clients to determine if they might be dangerous.

Bedford, who was charged with keeping a bawdy house in the 1990s, said the fight has been long and hard.

"Now it's the federal government's turn," she said after the ruling. "Prime Minister (Stephen) Harper has to answer to what we can and can't do in the privacy of our own homes."

Personally, I have always felt that prostitution should not be illegal. It's turned a lot of people into victims and criminals because of the illegal status. If it were made legal the sex workers would have a lot more protection from being hurt.

On the other hand, of course, I still feel that prostitutes are pretty gross and full of diseases. Weird how that works.

[Xno Kappa]

Shiiit.

[Baelorn]

On the other hand, of course, I still feel that prostitutes are pretty gross and full of diseases. Weird how that works.

Illegal = No regulation. Not weird at all.

[Kaisha]

Maybe the prostitutes should get a job?

[Psion]

I still cannot comprehend why people view having sex for a living as a bad thing. Seriously, if it were legalized and properly monitored to avoid disease spreading and protections to workers, the life of a prostitute sounds a billion times more rewarding and enjoyable than working as a cashier at CVS or wal-mart.

Shockingly enough, in ancient times, prostitutes were considered holy and one of the most important jobs in certain societies.

[notorious bum]

This would never fly in America; and not just because of moral-tards. Most people have no clue how huge the sex-traffic business is in America, besides the occasional dateline episode.

[Shuvo]

There was a big court ruling in Ontario that effectively decriminalizes prostitution in Canada. Prostitution itself wasn't illegal but there were a lot of stuff around it that was (like solicitation).

http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/...018/story.html



Personally, I have always felt that prostitution should not be illegal. It's turned a lot of people into victims and criminals because of the illegal status. If it were made legal the sex workers would have a lot more protection from being hurt.

On the other hand, of course, I still feel that prostitutes are pretty gross and full of diseases. Weird how that works.

They're pretty clean in countries where it's legal, as they're required by law to get tested regularly and get vaccinations etc. I remember reading one interesting statistic from over here (australia), only 1 man has ever been documented to contract HIV from a prostitute, ever. HepB has a vaccine so I imagine the figure for that is 0, and I think every other STD out there has a cure?? Might be wrong on that, but you get the idea. I'd say you have a much better shot of getting an std from a loose slut then a legal prostitute lol.

[Woozie]

and I think every other STD out there has a cure?? Might be wrong on that, but you get the idea.

Not herpes, which is a pretty common STD to have and not know you have. It's also commonly not tested for during routine STD testing for some reason, or at least that's how it is at the Akron Health Department.

But I do agree with the point you were making.

[Furionstormrage]

said the fight has been long and hard.

I know, I'm a child, but I laughed.

[Shalyn]

Oh good idea, leave it up to STEPHEN HARPER to decide what we can and can't do in our homes, that'll end well.. lol :D

[Max™]

I know, I'm a child, but I laughed.

I laughed as well, let's go draw bad words on the walls with crayons now!

[Mizango]

Those sentence enhancers are something else, be careful Max. We don't want your fingers tingling from writing all that spiciness down.

[Max™]

I thought you wrote "spic-ness" for a second, I was like "are you saying mexicans can only write in crayon?" at first.

[Mizango]

Or am I ????????

[Abandon]

brb, omw to canada. fuck what the haters say, i went to amsterdam about 2 months ago and had a blast.

[Cantih]

When I was young(er) and foolish, I considered pulling a Midnight Cowboy up in Canada.
But then I finally got laid, and then figured it would be more like Deuce Bigalow. Too much unappealing work.

[Cantih]

brb, omw to canada. fuck what the haters say, i went to amsterdam about 2 months ago and had a blast.

Did you ever write up the story for Amsterdam? Also, fffffffff, the board update cuts your sig off before the Croatia story link.

[Max™]

Did you ever write up the story for Amsterdam? Also, fffffffff, the board update cuts your sig off before the Croatia story link.

http://www.bluegartr.com/members/38898-Abandon

[Cantih]

Yes, I know Max. But the whole point is for the average person to know it's there.
I don't even need the link, have it in my BG epic threads bookmark folder.

[Yabby]

I still cannot comprehend why people view having sex for a living as a bad thing. Seriously, if it were legalized and properly monitored to avoid disease spreading and protections to workers, the life of a prostitute sounds a billion times more rewarding and enjoyable than working as a cashier at CVS or wal-mart.

Shockingly enough, in ancient times, prostitutes were considered holy and one of the most important jobs in certain societies.

I know my ass would do it if i could. Having sex for money.... my two favorite things in this world.

Also i'll post this sense i know its coming at some point.