The BC Counter Human Trafficking Unit and Richmond RCMP have made multiple arrests that they say will deter predators looking to purchase sex from potential trafficking victims.

But a criminologist who specializes in sex work laws and an organization that supports sex workers — some of whom have been trafficked themselves — say police operations like this actually make sex work more dangerous and make it less likely that someone who is being trafficked will speak with police.

On March 17 the RCMP put out a press release saying it had completed a one-day operation in which officers posed as sex workers online, spoke with more than 100 people and made multiple arrests when potential clients showed up. All individuals were released pending further investigation.

The BC Prosecution Service told The Tyee that at this time no charges have been laid.

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[–] Reannlegge@lemmy.ca 16 points 15 hours ago (2 children)

Sex work should be legal, it is happening why push it under ground.

[–] mushroommunk@lemmy.today 10 points 14 hours ago (2 children)

Because power. Christian cult took over the western world and said sex is bad

[–] CanadaPlus@futurology.today 2 points 10 hours ago* (last edited 9 hours ago)

And sex negative feminists. As far as you can tell from listening to them, they're earnestly feminist, even if they go about it in a way that seems messed up.

It seems like whenever two groups from opposite sides of the spectrum have agreed on something this century, it tends to happen.

[–] Reannlegge@lemmy.ca 4 points 14 hours ago

Very much so.

[–] unknownuserunknownlocation@kbin.earth 3 points 14 hours ago (2 children)

This. If someone wants to sell their body and is doing it out of their own volition, then fucking let them. I would never do it myself, but why should that mean no one else should? There are people that cannot for their life understand why someone would voluntarily go to a rave - doesn't mean we should be banning raves. Let people do what they want as long as they're not harming others.

[–] nyan@lemmy.cafe 1 points 9 hours ago

Yeah, the problem isn't with sex work itself, it's that the current implementation forces people into it who don't really want to do it. That's the part we need to fix, and persecuting sex workers and their clients doesn't seem to be very helpful there.

[–] Reannlegge@lemmy.ca 2 points 12 hours ago

I do not drink, but I am not going to say people poisoning themselves with alcohol should be illegal.

[–] HellsBelle@sh.itjust.works 17 points 15 hours ago

The stupidity of it all is exhausting.

As always, ACAB.

[–] snoons@lemmy.ca 15 points 15 hours ago

What the fuck. ACAB

[–] CanadaPlus@futurology.today 1 points 10 hours ago* (last edited 9 hours ago)

Probably, but also, they were ordered to do things that make it more dangerous. By politicians and by the voters they represent.

[–] KindnessIsPunk@lemmy.ca 1 points 11 hours ago

Sex work, is work and should be legal, making illegal only victimizes the innocent.