On December 20, 2013, the Supreme Court of Canada released its decision in Bedford v. Canada. The Supreme Court held that the criminal prohibitions on bawdy houses, communicating in a public place for the purposes of prostitution and living on the avails of prostitution violated s. 7 of the Charter and were of no force or effect. The declaration of invalidity was suspended for 12 months to give Parliament time to respond with new laws.
Janine Benedet, Faculty Director, UBC Centre for Feminist Legal Studies
Christine Boyle, QC, Professor Emeritus, UBC
Janine Benedet and Christine Boyle, QC each acted as co-counsel for women’s groups who intervened in Bedford, Professor Benedet for the seven groups making up the Women’s Coalition for the Abolition of Prostitution and Professor Boyle for the Asian Women’s Coalition Ending Prostitution. Each will offer some reflections on their participation in the case and the role of racism and sexism in constructing and maintaining the prostitution industry. Professor Benedet will also offer some thoughts on possible next steps in the legal response to prostitution in Canada.
Tuesday, 14 January @ 12:30 PM
Room 122, Allard Hall (1822 East Mall)
