Prostitution is inherently harmful and constitutes a form of male violence against women.  Poor, racialized and marginalized women are consistently victimized in prostitution at the hands of buyers, pimps and procurers and the sex industry cannot be made safe.

The recent decision by the Ontario Court of Appeal would only further endanger women through hiding them in brothels and legalizing violence at the hands of pimps.  The Court has opened the door for Parliament to act, and it must.

I recommend for Canada to follow the lead of Sweden and other countries by implementing the three-pronged approach of what is often called the "Nordic Model" of law and social policy around prostitution.

1)  Decriminalize the person being sold
2)  Penalize the buyers, pimps and procurers
3)  Mandate robust funding for services for women to exit
     the sex industry.

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