Article content continued

“The overall objective of this bill is to reduce the demand for prostitution,” he said.

“It’s my belief that prostitution is inherently dangerous,” he added, saying the government regards prostitutes as victims who need to be protected from those dangers.

Last December, the Supreme Court of Canada struck down the laws because they violated prostitutes’ right to safety. Parliament was invited to bring in a new law within a year.

“We’ve gone to lengths in this bill of addressing some of those safety concerns and immunizing prostitutes, we hope, in their efforts to create a safer environment,” Mr. MacKay said of C-36.

Although the government has said it wants to end exploitation against prostitutes, it also proposes to penalize them if they sell sex next to a school, playground or daycare centre.

In an hour-long appearance before senators, the Justice Minister emphasized that while his bill does not condone prostitution, it makes allowances for the sex workers.

As long as they are not being exploited by others or selling sex near the three areas where children might be found, the bill allows prostitutes to take measures to better protect themselves.

He said they can sell sex in “fixed indoor locations,” either on their own or as part of a “co-operative,” hire bodyguards and do their own advertising (although he acknowledged that publications, such as newspapers, that run those ads could be charged).

Mr. MacKay was questioned by one senator about how a prostitute would be allowed to legally advertise and sell her own services, but a client who responds to that ad would be charged.