On December 20, 2013, the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) ruled that three of our laws surrounding prostitution were unconstitutional. As a result, there has been a lot of talk on both sides of the issue (those who are pro-legalization and those who are against).
The great thing is, the Government of Canada is giving Canadians a chance to respond! Many people do not know how to respond, which is why I'm thankful for organizations like ARPA. Beyond giving me a paycheque and fulfilling my desire to work in an area that is suited to my passions, they also provide amazing resources to the Reformed community. I encourage you to check out their write-up on this very issue, which provides some excellent talking points that go beyond the 'harm reduction' model that many anti-legalization groups are presenting.
If you have no idea what I'm writing about - here it is in a nutshell:
A small group of sex workers have fought against the current laws surrounding prostitution, and have won their case at the Supreme Court. Prostitution is currently legal in Canada (and has been for many years), but many of the laws surrounding it have made it illegal (i.e. one cannot solicit for, or profit from it). If nothing is done, the laws that prohibit prostitution as they currently stand in Canada (the SCC ruling provided for a one-year window to keep the laws in place, until new legislation is enacted), will become obsolete - meaning that Canada will legalize prostitution.
I urge you to respond to the government's request. You have until March 17 to let your voice be heard.
Keep the laws as they stand now -continue to make it illegal to solicit or profit from prostitution -also the PEOPLE who are using these women/girls -men/boys - for the purpose of prostitution should be prosecuted for living off of the avails of prostitution and when charged and found guilty put them in JAIL for at least
ReplyDelete5 years -more would be nice -the PEOPLE who buy time with these prostitutes should also be made accountable with fines or jail - -more programs for people who feel there is no other way -give them the help they need to make better decisions in their lives so they can learn a more positive way of life-
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts! I certainly agree that those who purchase sex should be held accountable, but I must disagree with your preference to keep punishing those who are in the sex trade. Some of those who are prostituting themselves (or being forced to work as prostitutes) are already being exploited, they will most certainly not seek out help if they believe they are going to be punished (this has been a major flaw in the past: a sex worker who is being exploited seeks help, then she gets thrown into jail for being a prostitute - albeit unwillingly - and the guy who bought sex and the pimp who controls her, go free). I believe that the only way to provide safe exit strategies is to not punish those wanting to get out. This is why I'm advocating for the Nordic Model.