Pornography and Prostitution in Canada: The Dangers Ahead

Abstract

Canada’s reputation with respect to women’s rights is generally progressive. Canada women have strong abortion rights, health care services, maternity leaves, job protection, and can engage in same-sex marriage. However, Canada’s attitudes towards pornography and prostitution are confused and often ambiguous. Canada attitudes towards pornography are similar to those of the United States, and are influenced by concerns that anti-pornography efforts may unfairly target the homosexual community. Canada’s approach to prostitution is burdened by calls to legalize prostitution as a form of voluntary sex work. The author designates this approach as one based on several myths, including the belief that prostitution usually reflects a woman’s free choice, and its prohibition is based upon a narrow moral judgment contrary to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Keywords: Canada, Pornography, Prostitution, Sex equality