Canadian Prostitution Laws Struck Down by Court

Canadian Prostitution Laws Struck Down by Court

In a surprise move, on Friday, the Canadian Supreme Court struck down three key laws regarding prostitution.

According to torontosun.com the laws banned brothels, soliciting on the street, and earning a living from prostitution. The case was brought by three women, one of whom, Terri Jean Bedford, wants to own a brothel.

Supporters of the decision said that it would make life safer for prostitutes if they could work in a safe environment and not have to work on the streets. Canadian chief justice McLachlin said that the prostitutes had a right to protect themselves even when engaged in dangerous behavior. Prostitutes rights groups in Canada have been pushing for legal change since the serial murders of several prostitutes by Robert Pickton in 2007, according to townhall.com.

The decision has been suspended for a year however, giving the Canadian Parliament an opportunity to draft new laws to regulate prostitution. Canadian Justice Minister released a statement saying that the Canadian government will move quickly to craft amendments to the law to address the problem.

The decision has received mixed reviews with Conservatives and Church groups saying it will lead to and increased victimization of women, while the New Democratic Party welcomed the decision.

On The Web:

Supreme Court strikes down prostitution laws 538
http://www.torontosun.com/2013/12/20/scoc-strikes-down-prostitution-laws

Canadian court strikes down anti-prostitution laws
http://townhall.com/news/politics-elections/2013/12/20/canadian-court-strikes-down-antiprostitution-laws-n1766523