Working group won't recommend decriminalizing prostitution

OTTAWA — A working group on prostitution has decided not to recommend decriminalization of prostitutes.

The working group studied prostitution for six years. It said that decriminalizing prostitution may lead to an influx of prostitutes and johns to Canada.

The report also said that endorsing decriminalization may "send a message of endorsement of prostitution when there is much evidence of the victimization of its participants."

The group suggested authorities might consider giving some communities the authority to allow some prostitutes to operate at home to reduce problems associated with street prostitution.

The Working Group on Prostitution was commissioned in 1992 by federal, provincial and territorial justice ministers.