Canada's sex work law, manifested in Bill C-36, represents a significant departure in Canadian legislation, criminalizing the purchase of sexual services while decriminalizing their sale. This legal maneuver, framed within the discourse on its ethics, grapples with the delicate balance between safeguarding vulnerable individuals (particularly women and girls) from exploitation and violence inherent in the sex industry, and respecting the autonomy and rights of sex workers. Proponents of the law argue that it is crucial for curtailing exploitation and reducing demand for prostitution, thereby protecting the dignity and well-being of the practice. Conversely, critics contend that criminalization perpetuates stigma and marginalization, exacerbating …show more content…
Her philosophical ontology centers on the holistic development of the self, which she believes occurs through a thoughtful integration of bodily experiences and reflection. In considering Canada's sex work law, Church's viewpoint alludes to the complexities of human agency, vulnerability, and self-ownership. This perspective, deeply rooted in metaphysics, phenomenology, and ethics, informs her analysis of social issues, including the regulation and/or proliferation of sex work laws. In this breadth, we will explore Church's assessment of Canada's sex work law, examining her philosophical arguments on the development of the self and its relevance to the regulation of sex work. Through a critical analysis of Church's perspective, I will contend that, in her view, Canada's sex work law sufficiently prioritizes the protection of vulnerable individuals and addresses the ethical implications of modifying the [human] body. By also engaging with potential objections and grievances, we will aim for a comprehensive understanding of the nuances surrounding sexual work legislation and its implications for the welfare of those …show more content…
She argues against the notion of automatic ownership (that individuals inherently possess ownership over certain aspects of themselves or their possessions without any explicit action or effort) and the complete separation of the self from the body; instead advocating for a flexible interpretation of ownership, which depends on how extensively psychological states are combined to form a unified self-identity. Church notes this by stating, "A body belongs to a person when and if the psychological states of that body are integrated through reflection in such a way as to constitute a person or a self," (Church, 92). Emphasizing the role of reflective integration in ownership, this challenges traditional views on self-ownership and introduces a more examined life into the mix. More on the self, Church's conception revolves around the integration of psychological states as mentioned prior, which she views as essential for the emergence of a coherent self. She delves into the question of what specific interconnections between psychological states are necessary for this emergence, highlighting two key components. First, the Church emphasizes the formation of an interlocking system of attitudes among psychological states. This interconnectedness creates a cohesive narrative within which the self can develop and thrive. Second, the
Throughout Sex Work and the Law: A Critical Analysis of Four Policy Approaches to Adult Prostitution Frances Shaver discusses the need for change for women working as prostitutes. Shaver explains the ongoing problem surrounding prostitution in Canada and provides four possible ways to resolve the issue in her work. Three well thought out points Shaver writes about are the health benefits as well as personal safety for the women in the sex industry. She also touches base on the decriminalization of prostitution and the impacts it will have on nearby neighborhoods and the residents as well as a few other topics. Although Shaver discusses important areas, she does leave out some particular parts for concern such as the issues surrounding minors involved in the sex industry as well as the men and women who are involuntarily put into prostitution also known as human trafficking. While Shaver touches base on extremely well thought out points and provides a solution for dealing with Canada’s prostitution problem, she fails to elaborate on a few major issues that should be discussed as well when discussing the decriminalization of prostitution.
The way Jennifer Church approaches the issue of body ownership in “Ownership and the Body”, it sounds as though that we own our bodies is a given fact, and the controversy is over what follows from this and why it is important to have a discussion of this fact. I, however, intend to argue that it is a bad move to allow for the idea of self-ownership (or any sort of ownership of subjects), that it is more likely to perpetuate problems than to solve them to think in this way, and that the belief in the possibility of body/self-ownership is rooted primarily in linguistic ambiguities (“property” vs. “properties”, different senses of “mine”, etc.).
“There is no difference in work in which a women sells her hands, such as a typist, and a work in which a women sells her vagina, as in sex work.” Claims author Lacy Sloan. In today’s society, many people believe that prostitution is an immoral act. It is the world’s oldest profession and because it has been long condemned, sex workers are stigmatized from mainstream society (ProQuest Staff). However, the act of purchasing sex between consenting adults should not be prohibited by the government, but regulated for society's overall best interests. Prostitution is illegal and as a consequence prostitutes are often victims of violence and sexual assault; therefore, prostitution should be legalized and regulated to ensure the safety of sex workers.
Simard, J. (2012). The True North Strong and Free? A detailed look into human trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation in Canada.
It is one sad existence, to live and die, without discovering, what could have been. The question is often asked, what is the meaning of life? Or even, what is the purpose? There is no clear answer, and yet there is a search in every moment, every breath, and every corner, for a minute hint. In a societal setting, identity is merely determined by the amount of tangible things owned. Society places the ideology on individuals that those who own the most tangible things are above others. An individual can trump all those societal values by owning the self. This brings equality to all, and levels the playing field. This has been true throughout history, however behind all of this, there are individuals learning to conquer themselves. It begs the question, what defines a person, the physical or the metaphysical? There is obviously a compelling relationship between ownership and the sense of self or identity. But, is it ownership that determines the sense of self or is it perhaps, that the sense of self determines ownership. The
Many argue that prostitution is along the same line as any other business transaction considering similar actions taken to go through the process. I will argue that performing a consensual or nonconsensual sexual act including a transfer of money cannot be considered as one. In this essay, I will be focusing on women in the Canadian sex trade and how the service they provide is not a legitimate purchase.There are several factors to assist this argument that include the facts and terminology behind businesses, transactions, employment, legality, and the act being performed. The process for an individual to acquire a prostitute contains a transaction through an exchange of money, but is it a business transaction, no.
Human trafficking is “Modern Day Slavery,” in Canada today. From April 2007 to December 2013, there were 50 cases where human traffickers were found guilty, and from those cases, 97 people were convicted of human trafficking offenses. The Ontario Women’s Justice Network (OWJN) defines human trafficking as the recruitment and control of individuals that are exploited and taken advantage of against their will, (OWJN, p. 1- 2). There are various forms of human trafficking in Canada and the victims are vulnerable in all classes, genders, ages, and industries, but research needs to improve to validate concrete statistics. However, there are many Canadian sex workers that do object to the regulation of their chosen profession of prostitution
In 2007, three prostitutes, Terri-Jean Bedford, Amy Lebovitch, and Valerie Scott came to the Canadian government to challenge the current prostitution laws after pending charges were laid against them for illegal acts prostitution (Chez Stella, 2013). The Bedford Case has opened up a debate on whether prostitution should be decriminalized in Canada. Through my research, I offer a comparative analysis of four approaches to prostitution, which aid in illustrating the effects that decriminalization would have on prostitutes, and women as a whole. The four states that I have compared are Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Australia. These countries each hold different views and policies on prostitution. Canada is currently criminalized, the Netherlands is a state in which prostitution is legalized, Sweden advocates abolitionism, and in Australia, prostitution is decriminalized. Through careful analysis I have determined the effectiveness of each of the policies, and which system I believe would be best for Canada’s future. Based on this investigation, I advocate that Canada ought to adapt a similar approach to Australia, decriminalizing prostitution as a means for social, economic, and legal stability for women. It is through decriminalization that prostitutes will have the opportunity to be actively involved in the community, and no longer marginalized members of society.
Prostitution in Canada has had a long history. Prostitution is the exchange of money in return for sexual favors. The most commonly thought of form of prostitution is street-based but this makes up a portion of the trade. Other forms include escort services and brothels, to name a few. Prostitution has been legal in Canada for hundreds of years, as Canada inherited their laws from England, but there have been several laws aimed at preventing it. These laws include prohibitions on brothels, communication in public for the purpose of prostitution, and making a living off of prostitution. Therefore, while prostitution itself is not illegal, it is very difficult to engage in it without breaking the law. This leads to a lot of misunderstanding, as many men are not aware that these various laws exist, only knowing that prostitution itself is legal. In support of this, Wortley, Fischer, and Webster (2002) found that 17% of Ontario men who had been arrested under the communication or solicitation law in Ontario were apparently unaware that it was illegal to talk to a prostitute about buying sex (Morton 2012).
Caroline Stevermer, an American novelist, once wrote, “How dreadful… to be caught up in a game and have no idea of the rules.” Indeed, the quest for eternal prosperity bares an ancient path that allures pursuers into a deep state of oblivion. As one follows this trail, their vision of reality soon becomes blurred by their dreams of triumph. Ultimately, this enduring road guides an innocent pursuer onto the board of another’s game to become their lifeless pawn. Prostitution is this game. This immoral act involves the exchange of sexual services for financial gain. In Canada, the act of prostitution has never been a crime, but the government has combated this atrocity through criminalizing all activities surrounding the transaction. However,
Rights and protections for sex workers includes a variety of goals being pursued by individuals and organizations surrounding the human and labor rights of sex workers. The goals of these policies generally aim to allow sex work and ensure decent treatment from legal and cultural forces on a local and international level for everyone involved in sex work. Sex workers refers to prostitutes, adult video performers, dancers in strip clubs, and others who provide sexually-related services. The back and forth argument over sex work is characterized as an women’s rights issue, especially by those who argue that prostitution is naturally unjust, but there are also males and gender non-binary individuals involved in offering sexual services. The
Prostitution is the occupational service where sexual acts are exchanged for payment. Opinions of prostitution have changed drastically over the course of half a century, and are being debated worldwide. Prostitution is a very controversial topic, however there are claims that legalizing prostitution could create an overall safer environment, not only for the sex workers but the rest of society. There has been many alterations in prostitution laws and enforcement practices in several countries. Many nations have created new laws or intensified existing penalties for prostitution-related offences such as soliciting sex, purchasing sex, or pimping. Some other societies are experimenting with policies that securitize prostitution.The claims proposing these regulations are important because they are directly opposed to both the conventional benefits of prostitution and the specific allegations of anti-prostitution crusaders. In Canada and the UK, the exchange of sex for money is not illegal. However, the activities that go along with prostitution are criminal offences.“In March 2012, the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld a ban on establishments for the purposes of prostitution, which effectively makes street prostitution illegal. In the US, most jurisdictions, prostitution, solicitation, or agreeing to engage in an act of prostitution are classified as illegal. With the exception of licensed brothels in certain areas in Nevada. In the Netherlands,prostitution was legalized in the mid-1800s but it wasn’t until recently, the 1980s sex work became a legal profession. Restrictions on brothels and pimping were lifted in October 2000 and the industry is now securitized by labour law. Prostitutes are registered as legal workers....
Sexual objectification of women is viewing them solely as de-personalized objects of desire instead of as individuals of complex personalities, which is done by speaking or thinking of women solely by their physical attributes. Sexuality has been a controversial topic for a long time, and there have been many thinkers pondering on its effects on societies and cultures all over the world. The physical expression of sexuality is fundamental and universal. What differs is how cultures, religions and societies construe and influence both the setting in which sexual intercourse between men and women occurs and the type of relationships in which pregnancy is encouraged. The idea behind this form of controlled sexual behavior, which was enforced by culture and society, was to promote family health and welfare, and thereby create healthy societies for the survival and expansion of mankind. Prostitution, the practice of selling one’s body for the purpose of another’s sexual gratification, has existed throughout history in all parts of the world. Prostitution is considered by many a shameful, degrading, and abusive practice that fosters crime, exposes prostitutes to violence, increases sexually transmitted diseases and child prostitution, disrupts family values, and promotes sex trafficking. Legalization of prostitution has not only failed to empower the women in prostitution, but has strengthened the sex industry and the crimes associated with it.
Even though, criminalization of sex work violates basics of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, sex work is criminalized in most areas. Additionally, “criminalization of sex work, by definition, criminalizes adult consensual sexual behavior. By doing so, it creates a smokescreen which obscures actual abuse, violence and exploitation.” Similarly, to how non-females speak toward the woman’s experience in the realm of housework, non-sex workers are notorious for speaking about the sex work experience. Even though only sex workers are experts of the industry, there is this idea and presumption of prostitutes.
With opinions and beliefs constantly being affected by exterior aspects like: whom we socialize with, how we choose to spend our free time doing, the type of meals we eat, down to the time that we wake is all something that may change our opinions and ultimately our sense of self. Who we believe we are is our sense of self. Whatever category of the social triangle we believe we belong in is our sense of self. With that, comes ownership and the relationship between these two. Ownership is a direct result of our sense of self.