Government asking for more time on prostitution law
Posted November 22, 2010 4:17 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – The Ontario Court of Appeal heard arguments, Monday, on whether the key prostitution laws struck down in September should be wiped off the books as of November 28.
The federal and Ontario governments are asking for more time, so a proper appeal can be heard.
Michael Morris, a lawyer for the federal government, says if a stay pending appeal isn’t granted that will bring about a “social experiment unprecedented in this country.”
He says it will “profoundly and irreversibly” alter the status quo, hamper the court’s appeal process and undermine Parliament and its right to create legislation in the public interest.
Lawyer Alan Young is arguing against the stay pending appeal as he says the earlier court ruling found the laws are contributing to the danger faced by prostitutes, and that status quo can’t be maintained.
If a stay on the ruling is not extended prostitution would virtually become legal as of this weekend.
