On June 25th AIDS Calgary responded to an editorial article published in the Calgary Herald regarding the Decriminalization of Prostitution appeal, which was at the time under way in Ottawa. Click here to read the article we had responded to.
Re: "Liberalized laws make prostitution more dangerous," Licia Corbella, Opinion, June 16.
There were some discrepancies in Licia Corbella's column which claimed the "liberalization" of prostitution would increase risks attached to the profession. All Canadians are afforded the right to work in a safe environment with our health and well-being protected. Our human rights allow us to be treated and protected equally.
Due to the criminalization of prostitution under section 210-213 of the Criminal Code, sex workers are not afforded these same rights.
Corbella states that striking down the laws will result in "legalized pimping, bawdy houses and communicating for the purposes of prostitution," which is incorrect. The challenge before the courts is looking into removing certain provisions that hinder a sex worker's right to work safely.
Although the selling of sex in Canada is legal, sex workers are unable to work in their own homes, properly screen their clients, work in collaboration, or hire a driver, receptionist or bodyguard.
The decriminalization of sex work will not eliminate all the dangers, but will ensure that sex workers can take necessary security precautions, set their own terms for their working conditions, and discuss their experiences without fear of persecution.
With the laws as they are now, wilful sex workers will continue to hide under the radar, alongside those who are exploited, and the transparencies of trafficking remain underground.
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