TORONTO, March 11, 2011 – The Catholic Civil Rights League today announced that its application to intervene jointly in the Ontario Court of Appeal in the appeal of an Ontario court ruling that would remove the remaining legal restrictions on prostitution has been accepted.
“When the case was first heard, our joint intervention with Christian Legal Fellowship and REAL Women was the only one to speak directly to the shared morality of Canadians in opposing this change,” noted League Executive Director Joanne McGarry. “We’re pleased that the court will allow us to bring this much-needed dimension to the appeal level.”
The case was initiated several years ago by a group of prostitutes seeking to legalize living off the avails, keeping a common bawdy house and soliciting for purposes of prostitution of the Criminal Code. Much of their argument emphasized their belief that they would be safer if they could operate openly.
Last September 28, in Ontario Superior Court, Justice Susan Himel ordered that the pertinent sections of the Criminal Code infringe the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom in a manner that cannot be justified in a free and democratic society, and are therefore unconstitutional. The decision has been stayed pending the appeal by the Attorney General of Canada and the Attorney General of Ontario. Arguments are expected to commence in June.
About CCRL
Catholic Civil Rights League (www.ccrl.ca) assists in creating conditions within which Catholic teachings can be better understood, cooperates with other organizations in defending civil rights in Canada, and opposes defamation and discrimination against Catholics on the basis of their beliefs. CCRL was founded in 1985 as an independent lay organization and has chapters across Canada. The Catholic Civil Rights League is a Canadian non-profit organization entirely supported by the generosity of its members.
For further information: Joanne McGarry, Executive Director, 416-466-8244; joanne.mcgarry@ccrl.ca