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Monday, May 14, 2012

Prostitution Laws Could Change

Even in small cities like Saint John, prostitution remains an issue--and according to UNB professor Leslie Jefferies,major changes could be afoot in laws governing sex work. Jefferies tells CHSJ News the Ontario Supreme Court is currently deciding whether the laws regarding sex work are unconstitional. She says forcing women who work on the streets instead of indoors exposes them to the risk of physically assault, robbery, or murder.



Jefferies tells CHSJ News AIDs Saint John and other agencies are working together to help sex workersby forming a new coalition to deal with the issue of sex work. They aim to create partnerships between all the community agencies who work with prostitutes, as well as those affected by the trade.


Jefferies says those involved in last year's bawdy house bust on Waterloo Street weren't criminally charged because the law is under review. She says if the laws do change outreach organizations need to be ready with a sensible policy.