Canada could decriminalize sex work — here’s how it could help support organizations get more funding

Sex workers are vulnerable to poverty and violence because of Canada’s laws and the stigma around their work

Why It Matters

While sex work is criminalized, social impact organizations are struggling to support sex workers who need help with finances, food, and other necessities — funders understanding and supporting their organizations could increase their economic resilience.

This journalism is made possible by the Future of Good editorial fellowship on women’s economic resilience, supported by Scotiabank. See our editorial ethics and standards here.

A coalition of sex workers were at the Superior Court of Ontario last month, arguing that the country’s sex work laws are a threat to sex workers’ constitutional right to security. The week-long hearing that began on Oct. 3 is challenging the laws making sex work illegal. 

Richochet Media reported that on the last day of the hearing, Chief Justice Goldstein, the judge overseeing the case, did not indicate when or if the decision to decriminalize the sex work laws would be passed. This leaves sentencing

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