The West Ender
Thursday, August 14, 1997

Letters

p. 11.

Sex trade workers not breaking laws

The Sex Workers Alliance of Vancouver would like to inform Mary-Frances Berry of the "legal advocate" for Prostitution Alternatives Counselling Education that being an escort is "pretty much legal" not only in Vancouver -- but everywhere else in Canada, even if the escort is providing sexual services ("Blind eye turned to prostitution indoors, says legal advocate").

In fact, to be arrested for not working with a City escort license would probably be ruled unconstitutional. Only the federal government has the right to legislate morals.

Escort services and massage parlors do not consider their workers as employees but as private contractors who may or may not make their own negotiations for tips. This way the agency avoids breaking the procuring laws. Because of the laws, these businesses can't provide benefits or take tax deductions or pay into Canada Pension.

The police have no right to harass people working legally in the sex trade. If you are being harassed or think you are being investigated by the police contact the Sex Workers Alliance of Vancouver at 488-0710.

Andrew Sorfleet
Sex Workers Alliance of Vancouver

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Created: August 8, 1997
Last modified: September 2, 1997
 CSIS Commercial Sex Information Service
Box 3075, Vancouver, BC V6B 3X6
Tel: +1 (604) 488-0710
Email: csis@walnet.org