BC

BC won't prosecute in prostitution cases

The Canadian Press - Feb 7, 2014 / 7:56 pm | Story: 108458

British Columbia has become the latest province to announce it will not prosecute most prostitution-related offences over last year's

Photo: CBC

No prosecution in sight for prostitute-related offenses.

ruling by Canada's highest court that the laws are unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court of Canada struck down the laws _ communicating for the purpose of prostitution, living on the avails and keeping a common bawdy house _ in December, but said they would stay on the books for a year to give the federal government time to bring in new legislation.

Neil MacKenzie a spokesman with the B.C. Criminal Justice Branch said prosecutors have studied the ruling and decided that any ongoing or prospective prosecutions will be examined on a case-by-case basis.

MacKenzie said the likelihood of prosecution will be strongest in cases where pimps, keepers of bawdy houses and customers have exploited the vulnerability of prostitutes.

He said only a couple dozen such cases are currently in the system, and the directives take effect immediately.

How does this story make you feel? (267 total votes)

Castanet MoodMeter

COMMENTS WELCOME

Comments are pre-moderated to ensure they meet our guidelines. Approval times will vary. Keep it civil, and stay on topic. If you see an inappropriate comment, please use the ‘flag’ feature. Comments are the opinions of the comment writer, not of Castanet. Comments remain open for one day after a story is published and are closed on weekends. Visit Castanet’s Forums to start or join a discussion about this story.