How does Canada compare with prostitution laws in other countries?
Judge Himel was presented with evidence about reforms in a number of other democratic countries. New Zealand, Germany, some parts of Australia and the Netherlands have introduced municipal licensing policies to address safety concerns and broader societal issues. Police in these countries says prostitutes are more likely to report acts of violence since the new laws came into effect. Sweden has the toughest laws against prostitution, where it is seen as male violence against women and children. There has been a sharp increase in arrests of those who exploit prostitutes, as opposed to the sex workers. The prohibition in Canada against all communication for the purpose of prostitution is “no longer in step with changing international responses,” concluded Judge Himel. What are the politics here? New Democrat MP Libby Davies, a long-standing advocate of easing criminal prohibitions on prostitution, said yesterday the government’s decision to appeal is “ill-advised” and will consume money
