Canadam? With the de-criminalization of marijuana and now the legalization of prostitution, Canada could become the next Amsterdam.
Yesterday, Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice ruled that it is no longer illegal to pimp, solicit a prostitute, or run a brothel. Justice Susan Himel, who sided with two prostitutes and a dominatrix, said, “these laws… force prostitutes to choose between their liberty, interest and their right to security of the person.”
The constitutional challenge was brought to the court by dominatrix Terri-Jean Bedford, Amy Lebovitch and Valerie Scott, arguing that legal restrictions on prostitution are a violation of charter rights of security of the person and freedom of expression.
The hope is that with government regulation, prostitutes will be able to operate in safety and not have to worry about being raped, robbed, or murdered. “Moreover, sex workers can set up guilds and associations, health standards, workers’ compensation programs, as well as pay income tax. “We want to be good citizens and it’s time, now we finally can,” said Scott.
The ruling was less about the legality of selling sex than about protecting prostitutes who will continue to turn tricks, legal or not. In their book “Super Freakonomics,” authors Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner, write, “One feature of a market economy is that prices tend to find a level whereby even the worst conceivable job is worth doing. As bad off as these women are, they would seem to be worse off without prostitution.”
It’s hard to know what to think, especially in light of the new study showing that most strippers are better educated than their clients.
Justice Minister Rob Nicholson made the announcement today in the House of Commons that the Harper government does not support the ruling and will issue an appeal. If the ruling is not overturned, expect other Canadian Provences to legalize prostitution.
We are still waiting on a quote from Christine O’Donnell.
November 17, 2010 at 11:51 am, Japandroids Cover PJ Harvey | Death and Taxes said:
[...] Canadian noise-rock duo (and D+T faves) Japandroids release the third single in their 7″ singles [...]
December 04, 2011 at 9:08 am, Studentdad said:
I am a strong believer in legaling prostitution. All of the points considered have been beaten to death and to review them now would be repititous. My point of view may well be considered as vain. However, as a mature male who has been through the divorce system, I have attempted serveral relationships, all which have failed for many reasons. I have shared many times the mutual friendships of these ladies and have been treated much more fairly and been more satisfied with them than I have with most of the women I have attempted to create a long term relationship.
It is to this end that I have no qualms about the legalization of prostitution as it is not only a safer environment for the women to work it is also better for a man’s sexual well being. Every doctor knows, but it is not something they will tell out loud, is that one of the main reason a man has prostate problems is his sexual lifestyle is compormised. It is also in the long term, very much easier on his heart and pocketbook… and everyone is a winner.