Prostitutes Should Not Face Criminal Charges, but Their Clients Remain Fair Game

Attorney General Jonathan Denis is directing Alberta’s prosecutors to continue handling cases against men charged with purchasing sex from prostitutes, but has issued a new protocol that says criminally penalizing the sex trade workers themselves, is not in the public interest.

Recently, the Supreme Court of Canada struck down several prostitution-related provisions within the Criminal Code. The ruling stated that the laws on street solicitation of sex, violate prostitutes’ charter rights to safety and security. Denis argues that charging sex trade workers with prostitution-related offenses victimizes them twice.

A news release issued by the Attorney General states that the directive reflects the government’s commitment to justice and the protection of the province’s most vulnerable citizens. It also says that prosecutors will still have the final say on which cases to pursue.

New Laws Aimed at Criminally Charging Men for Solicitation of Prostitutes

The new approach is based on the assertion that all forms of prostitution involve the exploitation of sex trade workers. This law is aimed at deterring men from buying sex without criminally penalizing workers involved in the sex trade.

The Criminal Code has provisions against the solicitation of sex, living off the earnings of prostitution, and operating brothels, but the actual act of exchanging sex for money is not illegal in Canada.

Researchers and advocates working within the study of Human Trafficking argue that the changes to legislation will not have a significant impact on the existing sex trade without adequate programs in place to support those trying to leave the industry.

Contact Us if You Have Been Charged With Solicitation in Grand Prairie

Our team of experienced criminal lawyers will help defend you if you have been charged with solicitation of a prostitute in Grand Prairie. We will review your case, and ensure that you do not face the life-changing effects of a solicitation charge.

Posted on February 25th, 2014