Collaborative Proposal Creation
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Accepted
- Proposal text
- Green Party of Canada: - Recognizes sex work as work, - Supports and advocates the full decriminalization of sex work, including for immigrants, - Promotes sex worker-led and community-based approaches to improve working conditions and assist sex workers who experience violence, - Rejects legislation that conflates sex work with human trafficking, violence and exploitation.
- Type of Proposal
- Public policy that the party would represent
- Objective / Benefit
- Under current criminal laws, sex workers are simultaneously treated as victims and criminals. The “Nordic Model” isolates sex workers, resulting in violence, discrimination, and lack of access to social, legal and health services. For migrant sex workers, this harm is exacerbated by provisions in the IRPR that forbid migrants from working in the sex industry under threat of detainment and deportation. The argument that sex workers are unaffected by criminalization is erroneous; not only are sex workers criminalized for selling sexual services in a public space, but they are impacted by the criminalization of clients and third parties.
- If your proposal replaces an existing policy or policies, which one does it replace?
- This would be considered as an update to G18-P010, as it calls for decriminalization and further explains how the aims G18-P010 (which is vague in details) can be attained.
- List any supporting evidence for your proposal
- (n.d.). Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform – Fighting to uphold sex workers' human rights. https://sexworklawreform.com/ Benoit, C. (n.d.). Understanding Sex Work. University of Victoria. https://www.uvic.ca/research/centres/cisur/projects/active/projects/understanding-sex-work.php Black, D. (2007, March 21). Charter challenge on prostitution filed | The Star. The Toronto Star. https://www.thestar.com/news/2007/03/21/charter_challenge_on_prostitution_filed.html Butterfly. (2018). Behind the Rescue: How Anti-Trafficking Investigations and Policies Harm Migrant Sex Workers. https://www.butterflysw.org/_files/ugd/5bd754_bbd71c0235c740e3a7d444956d95236b.pdf Butterfly. (2022, August 11). Open Letter on the Newmarket Crisis. Medium. https://medium.com/@butterflycsw/open-letter-on-the-newmarket-crisis-32e159d5a52b Butterfly: Asian and Migrant Sex Workers Support Network. (2020, May 20). .Say no to Bill S-224, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (trafficking in persons).
- Does this proposal affect any particular group and what efforts have been made to consult with the group or groups?
- Sex work is made up of many individuals living on the intersections of marginality, including women, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and immigrants. There are many NGOs and social justice advocates, not to mention Global Greens, who advocate full decriminalization of sex work. I have worked with many sex work support organizations in Canada, including the Canadian Alliance of Sex Work Law Reform, Butterfly: Asian and Migrant Sex Worker Support Network, ANSWER Society, and SWAN Vancouver.
- Jurisdiction: Is this proposal under federal jurisdiction?
- Yes
- Please indicate the language the proposal is being submitted in.
- English
This proposal has been accepted because:
69.2% of members voted in favour of adopting this motion in the all-member vote.
Amendments (1)
Amendment
Rejected
Proposal textGreen Party of Canada:- Recognizes sex work as work,- Supports and advocates the...
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Created at
24/02/2024 -
- 3
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Reference: PVC-PROP-2023-08-4123
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Conversation with Mrs. Roslyn Levin
I agree with the idea that the legislation should include the addition of prevention measures and education for those considering sex trade as an occupation. The person may feel they have no other choice about how to make a living and they should be given the opportunity to leave the sex trade or learn a different trade, more in line with their true wishes along with the means to do so in their current circumstances. If they are to be further educated, there must be a monetary incentive to take this route so they and their families can survive.
I believe many sex trade workers feel that is their only option.
I believe it to be in line with Green Party Principles that other viable options should be offered.
Could you elaborate on how the inclusion of prevention measures and education better aligns with Green Party principles? Additionally, how do you see the provision of resources and support for those wanting to leave the sex trade or explore other career options as fitting into our values? It seems to me that there might be an implication that sex work is not in fact a legitimate career choice, which could reflect a paternalistic attitude that undermines the personal autonomy and agency of those in the industry. I’d appreciate your insights on this.
Blake, you raise some important questions, but I think it’s essential to clarify how prevention measures, education, and support for those wanting to leave the sex trade align with the Green Party’s principles.
First, prevention measures and education are entirely consistent with the Green Party’s commitment to social justice and equity. Many people don’t enter the sex trade because it’s their preferred career choice, but because of systemic factors like economic instability, lack of education, or social marginalization. By focusing on prevention and education, we aren’t saying sex work isn’t legitimate—we’re addressing the reality that many are driven into it by necessity, not choice. The Green Party aims to ensure that everyone, especially those from vulnerable groups, has access to genuine, informed choices. Providing education and alternatives helps dismantle the socioeconomic barriers that limit autonomy. This isn’t about paternalism; it’s about expanding people’s options, which is a core Green Party value.
Next, when we talk about providing resources and support for those who want to explore other careers, we’re aligning with the Green Party’s belief in empowerment and fairness. This doesn’t imply that sex work is illegitimate; rather, it recognizes that not everyone in the industry is there by choice, and some may want to leave but lack the means to do so. Offering them pathways out isn’t about undermining their agency—it’s about giving them the tools to exercise it. The party’s goal is to ensure that sex workers, like anyone else, have access to the opportunities and resources necessary to pursue the life they truly want. Far from being paternalistic, this is about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive in a career they choose freely.
It’s also important to acknowledge that recognizing exploitation or economic necessity in sex work doesn’t take away from the agency of those who choose it willingly. But the fact remains that many don’t have the freedom to make that choice due to structural inequalities. Offering exit strategies for those who seek them is about expanding—not constraining—options. The Green Party’s approach focuses on ensuring that no one is forced into any line of work due to a lack of alternatives.
In conclusion, the Green Party’s stance on prevention, education, and support services is entirely consistent with its principles of social justice, equity, and personal empowerment. These policies aren’t about controlling individuals’ choices but about addressing the systemic issues that limit true autonomy.
We should be advocating for policies that ensure sex workers have the same rights, opportunities, and access to resources as everyone else. This approach doesn’t undermine agency—it strengthens it.
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