The federal government is warning that come Saturday, Canada could be in the midst of an “unprecedented” social experiment.

An Ontario Superior Court judge struck down three key prostitution laws in September, and that decision is set to come into effect in Ontario on Saturday.

The federal and Ontario governments are before the provincial Appeal Court today, asking for the ruling to be stayed until a proper appeal can be heard.

Michael Morris, a lawyer for the federal government, says if a stay isn’t granted, Saturday will bring about a “social experiment unprecedented in this country.”

He says it will “profoundly and irreversibly” alter the status quo, hamper the court’s appeal process and undermine Parliament and its right to create legislation in the public interest.

If the laws are lifted, prostitutes will be able to communicate freely with customers on the street, conduct business in their homes or brothels and hire bodyguards and accountants without exposing them to the risk of criminal sanctions.

Lawyer Alan Young is arguing against the stay as he says the earlier court ruling found the laws are contributing to the danger faced by prostitutes, and that status quo can’t be maintained.