Sex workers from across Canada gathered in Edmonton for a national assembly aimed at advocating for their rights and addressing the challenges they face. The assembly was organized by the Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform, a group that advocates for the decriminalization of sex work in Canada.
The assembly provided an opportunity for sex workers to come together to share their experiences, discuss strategies for advocacy and support, and build community. It also featured workshops and panels on a range of topics, including health and safety, stigma and discrimination, and advocacy for legal reform.
For many sex workers, the assembly was a chance to connect with others who face similar challenges and to share their perspectives on issues that affect them. It was also an opportunity to engage with policymakers and lawmakers and to advocate for changes in the legal and social structures that impact their lives.
Sex work is currently legal in Canada, but many activities related to sex work, such as communication for the purpose of prostitution and living off the avails of prostitution, are criminalized. Sex workers and their advocates argue that these laws put them at risk of violence, exploitation, and discrimination and limit their ability to work safely and on their own terms.
The assembly in Edmonton is part of a broader movement for sex work law reform in Canada, which has gained momentum in recent years. Advocates argue that decriminalization would help to ensure the safety and well-being of sex workers, reduce stigma and discrimination, and create more opportunities for advocacy and support.
Overall, the national assembly in Edmonton was a powerful gathering of sex workers from across Canada, who came together to share their experiences, build community, and advocate for change. While the issues facing sex workers in Canada are complex, the assembly was an important step towards building a stronger, more empowered, and more supportive sex worker community.
