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The Decriminalization of Prostitution in Ontario: Perspectives on Bedford v. Canada
October 25, 2010 @ 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
In the recent landmark case Bedford v. Canada, Justice Himmel of the Ontario Superior Court held that three provisions of the Criminal Code that criminalize facets of prostitution—living on the avails of prostitution, keeping a common bawdy house and communicating in a public place for the purpose of engaging in prostitution—infringe the core values protected by section 7 of the Charter, and that this infringement is not saved by section 1 as a reasonable limit demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society. The Federal Government has indicated that it will appeal the decision, which was stayed for 30 days pending further submissions from the Crown.
A distinguished panel, which will include Professor Alan Young (counsel for the applicants in the case), Professor Brenda Cossman, and Professor Hamish Stewart, will discuss the Superior Court decision and what it means for the future of prostitution laws in Canada. Read an abridged version of the decision here or the complete decision here.
Event date: Monday, October 25, 2010, from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Room FLC, Flavelle House, Faculty of Law, University of Toronto