Five things to know about the prostitution case decided by the Supreme Court | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
Subscribe

Would you like to subscribe to our newsletter?

Current Conditions Mostly Cloudy  3.0°C

Five things to know about the prostitution case decided by the Supreme Court

Terri-Jean Bedford flashes a victory sign as she speaks with the media after learning Canada's highest court struck down the country's prostitution laws at the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa Friday December 20, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA - Here are five things to know about Friday's Supreme Court of Canada ruling on prostitution:

WHAT: The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the key provisions of the country's anti-prostitution laws, banning brothels, solicitation and living off the avails are unconstitutional.

___

WHY: The justices ruled unanimously that these provisions violate constitutional guarantees of life, liberty and security of the person.

___

WHO: The case originated with an Ontario case brought by retired dominatrix Terri-Jean Bedford, Vancouver sex worker Amy Lebovitch and former prostitute Valerie Scott, of Toronto.

___

WHEN: The court delayed the effect of its ruling for a year, to allow Parliament to produce a new, constitutionally acceptable law.

___

NEXT: The matter now rests with the Harper government. Justice Minister Peter MacKay said the government is "exploring all possible options to ensure the criminal law continues to address the significant harms that flow from prostitution to communities, those engaged in prostitution, and vulnerable persons."

___

News from © The Canadian Press, 2013
The Canadian Press

  • Popular kelowna News
View Site in: Desktop | Mobile