Queen’s University law and sex equality professor Kathleen Lahey is available to discuss the controversial appeal against the decriminalization of prostitution currently underway at the Ontario Court of Appeal.

“The Bedford case before the Ontario Court of Appeal should not be seen as an advancement of women's equality rights. It was brought to create a 'free trade zone' in sexual services with as few impediments or inconveniences for the parties in interest as possible,” says Professor Lahey. "If the trial court decision in this case is upheld, it will completely decriminalize exploitation of prostitution. The research record makes it clear that complete decriminalization, even when linked with municipal regulation, will increase the number of prostituted persons on the streets and in the country generally, will increase the number of times the average man uses such services (one man out of eight), and will create conditions in which enforcement of anti-trafficking and anti-child prostitution services become much more difficult.”

Professor Lahey feels that the only type of legislation that can make the world safer for prostituted persons is legislation that criminally prohibits purchase of sexual services by anyone, together with genuinely adequate economic and social opportunities for women who might otherwise become prostituted. She is the author of several books, including Are We 'Persons' Yet?: Law and Sexuality in Canada (University of Toronto Press).
 

To arrange an interview, please contact Christina Archibald at christina.archibald@queensu.ca, 613.533.2877 or Michael Onesi at michael.onesi@queensu.ca, 613.533.6000 ext. 77513, Queen’s News and Media Services.

Follow Queen’s News and Media Services on Twitter: http://twitter.com/QueensuMedia

Attention broadcasters: Queen’s has facilities to provide broadcast quality audio and video feeds. For television interviews, we can provide a live, real-time double ender from Kingston via fibre optic cable. Please call for details.