The week at a glance ... Americas

Americas

Ottawa

Brothels legalized: The “Bondage Bungalow” and other brothels across Ontario were effectively decriminalized, after an Ontario judge overturned laws prohibiting bawdy houses, saying that they endanger prostitutes by forcing them to work on the streets. Judge Susan Himel ruled that the national criminal code on prostitution, which also prohibits solicitation and procuring, violated the constitutional right to life, liberty, and security. Prostitution is legal in Canada, but most activities facilitating it had been prohibited. Bondage Bungalow dominatrix Terri-Jean Bedford, one of three Toronto-area plaintiffs, said she had been beaten and raped many times while working the streets. It’s “like emancipation day” for sex workers, she said. The ruling takes effect in a month if the government doesn’t appeal.

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