Statements from CPC & Official Opposition - re: Bedford Ruling

[Sweet Emily J 172062]

[B]Statement by the Minister of Justice Regarding the Supreme Court of Canada Ruling in Attorney General of Canada V. Bedford et al.[/B]

[URL="http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/news-nouv/nr-cp/2013/doc_33020.html"]http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/news-nouv/nr-cp/2013/doc_33020.html[/URL]

[QUOTE]
[B]December 20, 2013[/B]

I am concerned that, with its ruling in the case of Attorney General of Canada v. Bedford et al., the Supreme Court of Canada has found sections 210, 212(1)(j) and 213(1)(c) of the Criminal Code related to prostitution unconstitutional. The court has ordered, however, that these provisions remain in force for 12 months to give Parliament time to consider how to address this very complex matter. We are reviewing the decision and are exploring all possible options to ensure the criminal law continues to address the significant harms that flow from prostitution to communities, those engaged in prostitution, and vulnerable persons. We are committed to the safety of all Canadians and the well-being of our communities. A number of other Criminal Code provisions remain in place to protect those engaged in prostitution and other vulnerable persons, and to address the negative effects prostitution has on communities.�
[/QUOTE]

[B]Statement from the Official Opposition on the Canada v. Bedford decision[/B]

[URL="http://www.ndp.ca/news/statement-official-opposition-canada-v-bedford-decision"]http://www.ndp.ca/news/statement-official-opposition-canada-v-bedford-decision[/URL]

[QUOTE]
[B]December 20, 2013[/B]

â??This is an extremely important ruling. Today the Supreme Court unanimously affirmed that Canadaâ??s current prostitution laws are placing vulnerable women in unacceptably dangerous situations.

As New Democrats have long said, we need immediate action to protect the safety and rights of sex workers. The decision by the Supreme Court is clear: everyone in Canada has the right to live free of violence. Rather than an approach that further marginalizes already vulnerable sex workers, we need the government to focus upon working with them in order to build a comprehensive strategy to better protect and support women.

The government now has a year to address the Courtâ??s decision. Ensuring that sex workers are protected from violence must be central to the discussion. We will be looking for the Conservatives to work with us on important related issues, such as income support, education and training, poverty alleviation, housing and treatment for addictions.â?
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P.S. Sadly, but unsurprisingly, I found no officials statement from Liberals or Greens. If you hear of anything, please share.