Federal Bill C-36 will endanger sex workers, says group

Stella, a group that defends the interests of Montreal sex workers, is blasting the Conservative government’s C-36 legislation of the commercial sex industry, saying that the changes will endanger people who make their money in the skin trade.

The group said that the bill threatens the safety of sex workers by preventing them from offering their services in a public place where there might be minors.

That stipulation will force the workers into dark corners, which multiplies the risk of assault, kidnapping or rape, they say.

Robyn Maynard, who attended hearings on the issue in Ottawa, said that she was discouraged when she saw that the event was rigged in favour of supporters of the bill.

She is trying to remain hopeful that the upcoming round will be more open to sex workers’ input.

Keep reading…