Further to my post of a few days ago, the Ontario Superior Court struck down several sections of the Criminal Code today related to communicating for the purposes of prostitution, living off the avails and keeping a common bawdy house. Here’s a link to the CBC Report. In reaching her decision Justice Susan Himel said the laws, as currently structured, force sex-trade workers to the margins of society where they are far too often subjected to violence and abuse at the hands of deranged customers and pimps. In recognition of the controversial nature of her ruling (which does not apply to people under age 18), Himel suspended its effect for 30 days, while simulataneously urging the federal government to “fashion corrective action”. Early indications are, however, that the Harper government will appeal the ruling and seek to keep the existing laws in place.
