It was no easy task for Bedford, Lebovitch, and Scott to speak up in 2007. It was not easy to question, let alone overturn the rulings (ss. 210, 212(1)(j) and 213(1)(c)) when mainstream culture is so poorly exposed to the realities of the sex trade. It is not easy to stand up when we live in a country run by undemocratic despots with a love of class and gender stereotypes.

But these brave sex workers stood up for their constitutional rights (yay Charter), the Supreme Court found their appeal 100% justified, and the Court said, “Hey Canada, we can do better.”

Here we are, in 2014. And guess what? The Tories have done a helluva lot worse.

Where is my right to life, liberty, and security of the person? I cannot safely make a living if everything surrounding my job is illegal. My community cannot safely accept any monetary exchange or donations from me without breaking the law. My family, friends, lover and I cannot talk about my job without breaking the law. My clients are the least safe of all, and will be even less likely to talk to their health care providers, other sexual partners, or law enforcement about their health and safety. My job does not hurt anyone; this law hurts everyone.

I’d like to give MacKay and Harper each one vicious jab up the @$$ with my red umbrella.

My apologies – I meant to say that *of those opposition MPs who voted*, all voted “no” on C-36.

The voting record supports this statement.

Actually, no. The full list of who voted — and who didn’t vote — can be found here: https://openparliament.ca/votes/41-2/209/

No members from the Bloc voted.
Notably, Justin Trudeau did not vote.