A coalition of Canadian sex workers lost a key court battle yesterday in its fight to decriminalize the oldest profession in the world.
Ontario's Superior Court dismissed a Charter challenge launched by groups advocating for the rights of sex workers, ruling that Canada's criminal laws on sex work are constitutional.
Jenn Clamen, a national co-ordinator with The Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform, said sex workers across Canada are "extremely devastated" by the ruling, finding it "not just insulting but also ignorant."
The coalition argued in court that the current legislation governing prostitution in Canada — passed by Stephen Harper's Conservatives — fosters stigma, invites targeted violence and removes safe consent.
Last year, Clamen was a guest on Village Media's Inside the Village podcast, where she explained the rationale behind the court challenge. You can watch the full interview HERE.
Hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media, Inside the Village is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.
Every episode is available HERE. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.
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