There has been a lot of comment here about Bill C-36, and some is very well presented, but usually there is a caveat - the author does not want to out him/herself publicly. I wonder if I have found an approach that can make some good points, without admitting that I am a "pervert". Thoughtful criticism of my suggested approach is welcome. My suggested approach is writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, or to the Senate Committee. Each person could use something similar to my format but tailor it to your own knowledge/situation.
The Editor
Anywhere Daily News
Anywhere, Canada
Dear Sir or Madam:
re: Are my friends perverts?
The Minister of Justice, in introducing Bill C-36, has labeled all men who purchase sexual services as "perverts". I have not discussed this with my friends, but in my circle of friends and acquaintances there are several who are widowed or divorced, and for various reasons may not be inclined to pursue a relationship with someone of the opposite sex. These men are healthy as far as I know, and might just appreciate some intimacy once in a while, even if they have to pay for it. The media and the Justice Minister have tended to emphasize the seedier side of the sex industry, but there have also been more than a few women who have indicated in their public demonstrations that they consider providing sexual services for a fee as a viable occupational choice. Why cannot Canada do as New Zealand has done? In New Zealand it is legal, regulated and a source of tax revenue. In fact, the recent conference on AIDS in Australia stated strongly that legalizing prostitution would be the best way to control the spread of AIDS.
I have this imaginary scenario where a senior friend is caught in a sting, and ends up in jail. I can envisage the grandson asking Daddy, "Why is Grandpa in jail?" It is pretty difficult for me to imagine any of my friends as perverts, in spite of the Justice Minister's asinine definition.
The Minister of Justice should, if he has a brain, be aware of the fact that there is plenty of legislation relating to underage prostitution and trafficking which can be used to combat that rotten side of the sex industry.
Canada should not regress to the 19th century.
Yours truly,
sensualsixty
The Editor
Anywhere Daily News
Anywhere, Canada
Dear Sir or Madam:
re: Are my friends perverts?
The Minister of Justice, in introducing Bill C-36, has labeled all men who purchase sexual services as "perverts". I have not discussed this with my friends, but in my circle of friends and acquaintances there are several who are widowed or divorced, and for various reasons may not be inclined to pursue a relationship with someone of the opposite sex. These men are healthy as far as I know, and might just appreciate some intimacy once in a while, even if they have to pay for it. The media and the Justice Minister have tended to emphasize the seedier side of the sex industry, but there have also been more than a few women who have indicated in their public demonstrations that they consider providing sexual services for a fee as a viable occupational choice. Why cannot Canada do as New Zealand has done? In New Zealand it is legal, regulated and a source of tax revenue. In fact, the recent conference on AIDS in Australia stated strongly that legalizing prostitution would be the best way to control the spread of AIDS.
I have this imaginary scenario where a senior friend is caught in a sting, and ends up in jail. I can envisage the grandson asking Daddy, "Why is Grandpa in jail?" It is pretty difficult for me to imagine any of my friends as perverts, in spite of the Justice Minister's asinine definition.
The Minister of Justice should, if he has a brain, be aware of the fact that there is plenty of legislation relating to underage prostitution and trafficking which can be used to combat that rotten side of the sex industry.
Canada should not regress to the 19th century.
Yours truly,
sensualsixty
