Canada’s prostitutes wake up to new reality

A judge struck down Canada’s anti-prostitution laws yesterday, but Ottawa could launch an appeal.

Sex workers and activists are expressing elation today at an Ontario Superior Court ruling that declared the country’s anti-prostitution laws unconstitutional, but Federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson said the government is “seriously considering” appealing the decision. Laws governing the sex trade are in limbo today after Justice Susan Himel found that the regulations put prostitutes in danger rather than protect their safety. Sex workers have argued for years that decriminalizing prostitution would allow them to safely negotiate with clients and report crimes committed against them while on the job. Sex workers are frequent targets of violence. Critics say the ruling could make Canada a haven for sex trafficking. Judge Himel’s ruling won’t go into effect for 30 days.