This week on Listen Up: Policing Prostitution.  A legal challenge is focusing on risks associated with the sex trade. They are being met by a fervent group of abolitionists including former prostitutes, social workers and academics who believe that prostitution can be abolished. They strongly believe that legalizing prostitution will not only affect the safety and sanctity of our neighborhoods but will also contribute to the moral decay of society.

GET INVOLVED

To voice your concerns and to become proactive in this discussion write to the PM, Leader of the Opposition and your local MP by clicking click here. 

To download a form letter to send to the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and your local MP click here.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Should prostitution be legalized in Canada? Write to us at listenup@listenuptv.com.

For more information on our guests and educational resources, click here.

Context

According to Statistics Canada, most adult prostitutes began their careers in their early-to-mid-teens. Vulnerable adolescents entering the sex trade typically go on to lead lives of exploitation, violence, substance abuse and disease. Activists who say that since these are the streets where more than 26 prostitutes were murdered, Vancouver has a responsibility for changing the risks associated with prostitution.  A fervent group of abolitionists have emerged to work on that  – former prostitutes, social workers and academics who believe prostitution can be abolished. 

Guests

Benjamin Perrin

Resources

LORNA'S WRAP

So this may be the first time you are learning that sex is for sale in Canada in a way that exploits women. You couldn’t come to the forum, there will be more, watch our website at Listenup TV, we’re sponsoring one in the near future and we’d like to continue this education. But the important thing to remember is to add your voice to the debate about sex for sale in Canada. If these current court challenges are successful it will be a charter right to buy and sell sex in Canada. Is that the kind of nation you want? Talk to you MP about it. Write a letter. Write to the Prime Minister and to the Opposition Minister. Let them know what you’ve learned about sex for sale and the exploitation of women and children that are happening as a result. In the tradition of Jesus Christ it is possible to support the vulnerable without condoning the brokenness. It’s a path to healing that Canada needs to take.  

Video Podcast