Hamilton Spectator Article: Society Has Misconceptions About Prostitutes They Are Just Like Normal Law Abiding Citizens.

The sex trade isn’t what you think it is

When was the last time you sat down and had a good chat with a sex trade worker?

Like anything in life, you really don’t know what is going on in the world, until you take the time to ask.

So I did, and when I had Julie Clark as a guest on my talk show on CHML and found out that the TV version of a girl strung out on drugs, on a street corner does not represent the majority of sex trade workers.

Last week, a Toronto judge, sitting in the Superior Court of Ontario, invalidated parts of Section 212 and 213 of the Criminal Code, which basically means Canadians can’t be charged with keeping a bawdy house, communicating for the purpose of sex and living off the avails of prostitution. This is far from being law, as appeals are promised by both provincial and federal governments.

Clark, who was speaking for the Sex Professionals of Canada (SPOC), said she and her coworkers were ecstatic over the ruling, which was largely granted for the safety of all involved. She said the laws that are in place to protect women are actually making their lives more dangerous as it forces the trade onto the street where workers have no idea what to expect.

In fact, prostitution is not illegal in Canada — but everything associated with it, is. The 10-year sex-trade veteran says the irony is “the transaction of selling sex acts is not illegal but everything that makes you safer doing it, is” — like being in a safe indoor environment.

The industry feels these changes will regulate the business and will be managed no differently than it already is by most municipalities — discretely and in industrial areas.

Have you ever wondered why there are so many massage parlors in these areas? It’s not all sore muscles and lower back pain.

Clark also says this is a great opportunity to educate the public on the industry.

If a prostitute is not the girl on the corner, who is she?

The mother of two says, “Look next door.” It’s the housewife, insurance broker and other stereotypes you would not expect.

Alan Young, a lawyer on the case, said at a press conference that at least 80 per cent of sex trade workers are invisible to the country. Clark adds it will remain that way and the public has nothing to fear. “You wouldn’t know us, you wouldn’t see us. It’s invisible sex work.”

It’s more “middle class” sex work that is never reported to authorities because there are really no complaints.

Wow! All of a sudden I’m looking over the fence with a little more imagination!

When asked about whether this change in law would open the door for organized crime, the 40-year-old Clark said it actually closes the door to organized crime by making it safe to report illegal activity without the fear of being charged.

When you prohibit something, organized crime makes it available. Just like alcohol, it’s easier to control when regulated.

This lady works for an escort service that provides a driver, security, bookings and a “bad call list” to identify johns that have been abusive or threatening. She adds, “The infrastructure is in place to protect us.”

When quizzed on what she thought the public perception was of the change, Clark said, “They’re afraid because they think that all sex workers are victims and the clients are predators.” She says most are in it for the money and don’t have a hangup or emotional issues with it. They’re very normal people, living everyday lives.

So whether you agree with the Supreme Court’s decision or not, it’s still one of the oldest occupations known to mankind and shows no signs of subsiding. Have you seen the Viagra commercials?

Maybe it’s time to solve the problem, if there is one, another way.

Discussion is a good start. The way it always is before good sex.