In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court of Canada has struck down three provisions of Canada’s Criminal Code, the keeping or being found in a bawdy house or brothel, the living on the avails of prostitution, and communicating in public for the purpose of prostitution – saying all three violate the right to security of the person guaranteed under Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Sex workers celebrated the court ruling, but were concerned about what the federal government would do in the next year. The court ruled the government could enact new legislation, if it didn’t, the ruling would come into effect in one year’s time.
RCI’s Wojtek Gwiazda has a report.
ListenMore information:
Supreme Court of Canada decision – here
Pivot – The decision in 705 words – here
Justice Minister Peter MacKay press release – here
Globe and Mail/Barbara Cossman – What if Ottawa now criminalizes prostitution? – here
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