They're People First

AIDS Calgary advocates for the rights of sex workers. AIDS Calgary's Communications Coordinator continued that work by responding to an editorial in the Calgary Herald a few weeks ago. This week's blog contains a link to the original article as well as AIDS Calgary's response.

Re: "Sex work shouldn't be called a job" Editorial April 29, 2012

http://www.calgaryherald.com/opinion/editorials/work+shouldn+called/6536876/story.html

They're People First

We at AIDS Calgary Awareness Association found the comments made in the editorial “Sex work shouldn't be called a job”, insensitive. Unfortunately, the author missed the point of what sex workers are fighting for. This is a human rights issue. When a group of people is told by their Government that they do not deserve protection, human rights are being violated. Whether or not you agree with “prostitution” as credible employment, sex workers are still a part of our society which means they are protected under our Charter of Rights and Freedoms Act. We can’t start picking and choosing who the Charter pertains to.

It is never wise to make blanketed statements about any group, and your assumptions that all sex workers are knowingly spreading STIs, specifically to their partners at home, is groundless and removes any responsibility from their sexual partners. Surely you are not suggesting that if there were no “prostitutes” to lure these men away from their otherwise happy relationships, our nation’s STI and divorce rates would go down?

Your comment " That's like saying we should make it easier for people to embezzle because theft is never going to disappear, either" is a very dangerous and thoughtless thing to say. Your readers should be reminded that sex work is technically legal in Canada; only the criminal codes around it remain illegal. The safety of any human should not be taken lightly.  

Consider that sex trade workers are still people first, and should be treated as such. We believe that all people should have the right to access support to exit any trade, including the sex trade. Those who do not choose to leave should be afforded the support to work with dignity and to have their human rights respected.

Jamie Schneider, Calgary. 
Jamie Schneider is the Communications Co-ordinator for AIDS Calgary Awareness Association.  

Read More: http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/They+people+first/6558042/story.html#ixzz1v9w5U4ji

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