Vigil in Memory of Murdered Sex Workers

[naughtylady]

December 17: International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers

Invitation to attend a vigil in memory of murdered sex workers

Stella and the sex workers project at Séro-Zéro, Montreal community organizations providing support and information to sex workers, along with the Coalition for the Rights of Sex Workers and the International Union of Sex Workers, would like to make Paul Martin aware of the intolerable situation for sex workers due to the current laws on prostitution upon his arrival as Prime Minister of Canada.

The current law on prostitution and the manner in which it is applied put sex workers' lives in danger by legitimizing and perpetuating abuse and violence against women. While the Canadian government is spending massive amounts of money and resources to eliminate prostitution, the criminalization that occurs as a result of these laws and application, prevents sex workers from accessing social protection. This criminalization, among other things, explains why sex workers are too often exploited, beaten, raped and killed. In Canada, an enormous number of sex workers have been murdered, and we believe that it is time for this kind of violence to stop.

We will be sending a letter to our Prime Minister appealing for the decriminalization of activities related to sex work, as well as the application of real and concrete means of fighting against violence, in all contexts where sex work is practised, without discrimination. The decriminalization of sex work will allow sex workers equal access to health services, social services, labour rights and protection under the law.

You're invited to attend a vigil in memory of murdered sex workers, in solidarity with the Sex Worker Outreach Project (SWOP-USA), for the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. This vigil will take place in front of the Palais de Justice at 1 Notre-Dame East in Montreal, on December 17, 2003, at 5:00 p.m.

Vigil in memory of murdered sex workers
December 17, 2003, 5:00 p.m.
In front of the Palais de Justice, at 1 Notre Dame East
(Place d'Armes metro)

Theme:
Dress in white (you can simply bring a white sheet to cover yourself). Bring candles and red flowers.
Information: Contact Marie-Neige at Stella at (514) 285-8889
Come and support the fight to end violence against sex workers!

 

[curious1]

I can't believe that nobody has replied to this yet!

I will certainly try to attend the vigil, and will spread the word as best as possible. This is a very important issue and the authorities absolutely *must* see visible public support and concern if we ever hope to see them do the right thing. Come on people!

 

[naughtylady]

This vigil is important to me. It should be to all of you. I will personally kiss each and every one of you that shows!

Ronnie

 

[naughtylady]

laws that need to be ammended

Maybe you do not realise why this is SO important! Here is a partial summary of laws that I find down right offensive.

ARTICLE 210:
The act of operating or being found in a bawdy house.
This means escorts or masseuses may not work from home or in ANY specific place. Legally we have to go to you. Cannot have someone nearby who we know and trust who will hear our cries if we need help or protection.


ARTICLE 211:
The act if taking, or transporting, someone to a bawdy house.
This limits access to ANY accompanied service. Friends, drivers, even taxis could be charged.


ARTICLE 212:
The act of influencing a person to practice prostitution or of living completely, or partially from the revenues of prostitution.
This forbids anyone in my entourage from benifitting from the fact that I work. My roomate can be charged (we share all the bills, therefore he is partially living off of my revenue.) I cannot hire anyone to do anything (my poor cleaning lady!) Even my landlord can be charged technically! Even my calling someone to let them know where I am, with whom and approximately for how long is illegal since the other person is now influencing.


ARTICLE 213:
The act of communicating with another person, in a public place, with the objective of practicing prostitution.
This not only means in the view of bystanders, but payphones and cellulars are considered public. So street workers often end up working in industrial areas and other places where there is no one there who can help!


SECTIONS 89 AND 90:
Carrying a weapon.
Heaven forbid we may feel the need to protect ourselves!


SECTION 403:
Identifying oneself with a name other than one's own.
One of the ways we separate work life from personal life. Very important when working on such an intimate level.


There are other articles and sections that need to be changed. Basically anything that a working girl can do to keep herself safer is illegal.


Hope to see all of you that can make it there! I will be waiting with kisses for all of you!

Naughtylady,
Ronnie

 

[curious1]

Sure, but

How would attending a vigil be stepping out of the closet? I can`t imagine that every woman at the march would be a companion and every man a hobbiest. You`d be marching against violence, and against laws that make it more difficult for certain people to be prottected from violence. I honestly do believe that you should feel comfortable attending with your wife, girlfriend, sister etc. I understand that for some of you this isn`t possible, but I do hope that everyone who cares will at the least make an effort to be there.

 

[naughtylady]

Contact Marie-Neige at Stella at (514) 285-8889 she will be able to give you more info on otherways to support our cause.

Ronnie

and curious1> kisses to you!

 

[naughtylady]

INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST SEX WORKERS.
December 17th

Gary Ridgeway murdered 48 sex trade workers because they were "easy targets,
and no one would report them missing". He said he thought he could kill as
many of them as he wanted without getting caught.

More than 60 women were disappeared from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.
More have been murdered in Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg..... In
cities across Canada, men, women and trangendered sex trade workers are
harassed, robbed, raped, beaten, and killed. They are the victims of men's
violence, of laws that criminalize and marginalize them, of policing
practices that render them vulnerable, of racism, and of the public's
complacency.

It is time to take a stand.

On December 17, 2003 people will be gathering in cities around the world to
remember murdered sex trade workers and to join together in a call to end
the violence against workers in the sex industry.

VIGIL IN REMEMBRANCE OF
MURDERED SEX TRADE WORKERS AND CALL FOR ACTION