Canada's Superior Court of Justice has overturned a variety of laws pertaining to sex work.

The laws which have been repealed include, the criminalisation of street solicitation, working together in a place of prostitution (bawdy house) and living off the avails of prostitution. The decision to abolish of these laws came after a legal challenge was instigated from three sex workers who asserted that these laws posed a danger to their well being and forces them into work in conditions that were implicitly unsafe.

Ontario Judge Susan Himel was quoted as saying:

"I find that the danger faced by prostitutes greatly outweighs any harm which may be faced by the public,"

"These laws, individually and together, force prostitutes to choose between their liberty interest and their right to security of the person as protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms."

The government had 30 days to mount an appeal against the judgement. The original hearing was on the 28th of September 2010, however this was extended by a further 30 day to allow officials further time to prepare their arguments against the ruling. The meant that government representatives had until 27th of November which has now been and gone and as yet there has been no news. It is thought that a further 30 day stay would be granted to allow more time for preparation.

More to follow.

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