New prostitution law raises concerns for workers, groups

VICTORIA — Sex workers and advocates are worried about how federal prostitution laws, which came into effect Saturday, will be enforced.

“The rules and regulations are still hazy,” said Cameron Diablo, 32, who has been a sex worker in Victoria for two years and works from home. She does not want her real name to be used.

“We’re unsure about licensing, legality, if we live near schools but work indoors, landlord-tenant regulations with the new law, advertising,” she said. “The list is endless with the detailed questions my group of colleagues and I have come up with.”

More than 60 organizations and agencies from across the country are calling for the non-enforcement of the law, which they say will criminalize prostitution.

The groups — which include the Canadian AIDS Society, John Howard Society and Native Women’s Resource Centre — want the new law repealed and the full decriminalization of sex work in Canada.

The Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act criminalizes the purchase of and profiting from sexual services, as well as third-party advertising.

The act was introduced after the Supreme Court of Canada struck down anti-prostitution laws that sex workers claimed prevented them from working safely.

Victoria Coun. Marianne Alto, who sent council’s letter opposing the law to the Senate and Prime Minister Stephen Harper, said people could be at further risk if the law pushes sex work underground.

Victoria Police Sgt. Kristi Ross said the department will continue to focus on the safety and support of those in the sex trade.

“People in the sex trade are our community. They are our moms, daughters, sons,” she said.