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Topic: Red Light District in Vancouver?

marcy
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3562

posted 13 October 2003 06:49 PM

There have been rumblings for many months now from the Vancouver City Council about 'tolerating' (or some other verb) a red light district in Vancouver. As many Babblers will know, two of our councillors (Anne Roberts and Ellen Woodsworth) are long-time activist feminists who have worked on a variety of women's issues since the late 1960s. I haven't yet talked with either of them about this specific issue and am posting here because of an interesting development . On Friday October 10th, Rape Relief held a public forum (which I found out about a day later) to promote a position opposed to such a district. I have yet to talk with anyone who did attend. I am at present grappling with my own position on this question. Ultimately, I confess, I do not accept that prostitution can be framed as an authentic career choice made by women. I do not believe it is potentially liberatory in the context of economic or social growth for women. In fact, I see it reinforcing inequalities in class and race, as well as hardening and even (in a most bizaare way) glamourizing women's objectification. I also think it actually makes men's domination and mistreatment of women more accessible. In any case, a self-identified 'progressive' argument here is that a red light district will make prostitution safer for women and might provide easier (than at present) connections to health and educational counselling. All of this comes, of course, in the wake of the Pickton trial and accusations that the VPD blew the early investigation because they did not value the lives of the women who had disappeared. Any thoughts or comments from sister feminists on this issue? There is a Mayor's Forum tomorrow evening which I plan to attend.

From: vancouver | Registered: Jan 2003 | IP: Logged

windymustang
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 4509

posted 13 October 2003 09:54 PM

I agree with you Marcy that not only prostitution, but any career in the sex trade industry is detrimental to women. I personally know women who have worked or are working in this industry and they feel that it was terrible for their emotional health and self esteem as well as being physically dangerous.

That being said, the sex trade as they say is the oldest profession... It will never go away. I believe that for the workers sake and the health and welfare of the entire community that it would be best to legalize and regulate the industry.

Having a district would help to initialize this and therefor begin to make it safer for everyone. I've read numerous articles on this and of course can't remember where at this moment. If I think of them, or do a search and find them...probably in my own library, I'll let you know.

I don't know if I've said anything new to you...probably not, but at least those are my feelings on the subject.

From: from the locker of Mad Mary Flint | Registered: Oct 2003 | IP: Logged

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