Recent Developments in the Policing of Prostitution in Canada

[Mark Gordon]

There have been some recent developments in Ontario which further liberalize the way prostitution is handled here. While prostitution itself has never been criminalized in Canada, several aspects surrounding it have been. A recent ruling from a Superior Court Justice has struck down Criminal Code provisions relating to communicating for the purposes of prostitution, pimping and ‘operating a common bawdy house.’ The federal government is appealing the decision, but the impact could be nationwide if it survives the appeals, particularly if it lands in the Supreme Court of Canada.

 

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/judge-decriminalizes-prostitution-in-ontario-but-ottawa-mulls-appeal/article1730433/page1/

 

The decision has given rise to discussion as to whether further decriminalization might lead to the formation of red light districts in Canadian cities. I was one of the escorts quoted in this article in Fab Magazine considering the gay angle on this potential phenomenon:

 

http://www.fabmagazine.com/features/411/red-light.html

 

In a separate backward development, the federal government and several Canadian provinces have been putting pressure on Craigslist to remove their prostitution ads in Canada, as they have already done in the US. So far, Craigslist has been stalling and the ads still proliferate in the ‘erotic services’ category.

 

http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20101111/ontario-craigslist-prostitution-ads-101111/20101111?hub=TorontoNewHome

[+ Gar1eth]

Thank you for letting us know about the debate up north, Mark. I know we are all appreciative. Please keep us informed of any new developments.

 

Gman

[JT Brooklyn]

Hey Stud! Very interesting I'm wondering how long CraigsList will be able to hold out after what happened Outside of Canada?

 

Then again maybe it isn't as big a deal as Bad Publicity hasn't been an issue as it is in the U.S.!

[justaguy]

Ah...I think I'm hearing the sound of civilization! Now if you people would only do something about those winters...burrrr. Thanks for the update.

[Mark Gordon]

In a separate backward development, the federal government and several Canadian provinces have been putting pressure on Craigslist to remove their prostitution ads in Canada, as they have already done in the US. So far, Craigslist has been stalling and the ads still proliferate in the ‘erotic services’ category.

 

Craigslist has caved in to government pressure by eliminating its 'erotic services' category in Canadian cities, however some thinly veiled prostitution ads may still be found in the 'therapeutic services' category.

 

http://www.globaltoronto.com/story.html?id=4005036