Media Releases
The myths of “ending demand” for prostitution: panel discussion
October 19, 2011
TORONTO, ON — Conservative MP Joy Smith’s public campaign to criminalize the purchase of sexual services reflects a troubling global campaign to “end demand” for prostitution. “End demand” campaigns are premised on an absolutist view of prostitution as exploitation, wherein all sex workers are cast as victims, and all clients as perpetrators. Media are invited to attend this panel, which will address the harmful consequences of “end demand” strategies, with a view to advancing alternative social and legal policies that can make a difference for socially marginalized workers in and beyond the sex industry.
The interdisciplinary panel includes:
Susan Davis
Current sex worker of 25 years; Development coordinator,
West Coast cooperative of Sex Industry Professionals, Vancouver
Kara Gillies
Representative, Maggie’s: Toronto Sex Workers Action Project
Ummni Khan
Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Carleton University
Emilie Laliberte
Director-General, Chez Stella, l’aime de Maimie, Montréal
Emily van der Meulen
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Criminal Justice & Criminology, Ryerson University
Moderated by Lisa Kelly, S.J.D. Candidate, Harvard Law School
Introduction by Rebecca Cook, University of Toronto, Faculty of Law
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011
TIME: 4:30–6:00pm
WHERE: Moot Court Room, Flavelle House
University of Toronto, Faculty of Law
78 Queen’s Park, Toronto, Ontario
Sponsored by: The International Reproductive and Sexual Health Law Programme, Faculty of Law, University of Toronto (reprohealth.law@utoronto.ca).