News

Hamilton heard

As Mayor Philip Owen tried to tell the outspoken sex-trade advocate that she couldn't appeal for emergency funding for a prostitutes' "safe house" during a regular Tuesday meeting. Hamilton turned the tables and called out: "Order, order."

Owen adjourned the meeting, and when council returned to resume regular business, Hamilton was waiting at the podium.

Hamilton, who advocates legalized prostitution and city-run bawdy houses, had been camping on city-hall lawn to publicize her request for funding. She is seeking money to replace those of a contributor who pulled out of the controversial project.

The mayor promised Hamilton that he and another councillor would meet with her within 10 days. But that wasn't good enought for the feisty Hamilton, who held her ground until she was told she could appear before the entire council at an upcoming committee meeting.

During the 1996 civic election, Hamilton withdrew her candidacy for a COPE council seat at the last minute following a dispute with the party over prostitution policies.