General

Canadian prostitution laws in limbo

Stay extension means current laws will stand at least until April

The Ontario Court of Appeal has ruled that Canada’s prostitution laws will stand for at least several more months while government lawyers prepare an appeal of a landmark ruling that essentially decriminalized prostitution. The court ruling on Thursday means the laws banning communicating for the purpose of prostitution, keeping a common bawdy house, and living off the avails of prostitution will continue to be valid. (Earlier in 2010, an Ontario Superior Court judge struck down the three laws.) Today’s decision extends the stay on the lower court’s ruling until April 29, putting pressure on the government to expedite the appeal process. This means it is still against the law for prostitutes in Ontario to work in brothels and openly solicit customers.

CBC News

Looking for more?

Get the Best of Maclean's sent straight to your inbox. Sign up for news, commentary and analysis.
  • By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
FILED UNDER: