A weekly television program exploring news and current affairs from a Christian worldview.
Episode #396 |
Added November 15, 2009
A legal challenge is focusing on risks associated with the sex trade. They are being met by a fervent group of abolitionists including former prostitutes, social workers and academics who believe that prostitution can be abolished. They strongly believe that legalizing prostitution will not only affect the safety and sanctity of our neighborhoods but will also contribute to the moral decay of society.
GET INVOLVED
To voice your concerns and to become proactive in this discussion write to the PM, Leader of the Opposition and your local MP by clicking click here.
To download a form letter to send to the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and your local MP click here.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Should prostitution be legalized in Canada? Write to us at listenup@listenuptv.com.
Lorna's Wrap
So this may be the first time you are learning that sex is for sale in Canada in a way that exploits women. You couldn’t come to the forum, there will be more, watch our website at Listenup TV, we’re sponsoring one in the near future and we’d like to continue this education. But the important thing to remember is to add your voice to the debate about sex for sale in Canada. If these current court challenges are successful it will be a charter right to buy and sell sex in Canada. Is that the kind of nation you want? Talk to you MP about it. Write a letter. Write to the Prime Minister and to the Opposition Minister. Let them know what you’ve learned about sex for sale and the exploitation of women and children that are happening as a result. In the tradition of Jesus Christ it is possible to support the vulnerable without condoning the brokenness. It’s a path to healing that Canada needs to take.
Resources
Guests
Benjamin Perrin
Assistant Professor
University of British Columbia, Faculty of Law
Trisha Baptie
Former Prostitute, Founder, Honour Consulting
Michelle Miller
Buying Sex is Not a Sport campaign
REED (Resist Exploitation, Embrace Dignity)
Janine Benedet
Associate Professor
University of British Columbia, Faculty of Law
Resources:
Books: NATASHAS : The New Global Sex Trade, by Victor Malarek (2004) Penguin Group
The Industrial Vagina: The Political Economy of the Global Sex Trade, by Sheila Jeffreys (2009) Routledge.
The Johns: Sex for Sale and the Men Who Buy It, by Victor Malarek (2008) Arcade Publishing
Getting Off: Pornography and the End of Masculinity, by Robert Jensen ( 2007) South End Press
Organizations working to help prostitutes leave the streets:
- Vancouver Rape Relief & Women’s Shelter:
- The Servants Anonymous Society of Calgary:
- Women’s Sexual Assault Centre (Victoria B.C)
- Avalon Sexual Assault Centre (Halifax, N.S)
- Treve Pour Elles (Montreal)
- Saskatoon Sexual Assault and Information Centre
- Lighthouse Community Centre (Toronto)
Women's Journey of Faith-Join us as we carefully polish each verse of the bible until the truth is revealed. Visit http://www.wjof.com/
Context
According to Statistics Canada, most adult prostitutes began their careers in their early-to-mid-teens. Vulnerable adolescents entering the sex trade typically go on to lead lives of exploitation, violence, substance abuse and disease. Activists who say that since these are the streets where more than 26 prostitutes were murdered, Vancouver has a responsibility for changing the risks associated with prostitution. A fervent group of abolitionists have emerged to work on that – former prostitutes, social workers and academics who believe prostitution can be abolished.
