Ottawa Issues Warning as Legalization of Prostitution Looms

The government has warned that unless a stay is granted before legalization takes effect in nine days, Ontario will become a hub for prostitutes.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Susan Himel struck down many of the province’s prostitution laws in September, after finding that the criminalization of activities related to sex work puts women in danger. She initially granted a 30-day stay before her ruling would go into effect, and subsequently stayed it for another 30 days. Her decision will become law on Nov. 27, but the Justice Department has issued a statement warning that unless another stay is granted to give time to appeal Himel’s ruling, Ontario will see an influx of sex workers from other parts of the country and an increase in drug trafficking, crime, and the development of dangerous red light districts.