[news] Prosposed City Rezoning Discriminatory against Escorts/PRESS RELEASE

[sharai]

September 8th, 2003

PRESS RELEASE

Prosposed City Rezoning Discriminatory against Escorts

Van, BC

In an attempt to create a progressive new category of
zoning, the city of Vancouver appears once again to be
discriminating against escorts/entertainers and sex
workers charges prostitution activist Jamie Lee
Hamilton.

"The city plans for the creation of a new zoning for
the downtown district called office/work/live is
discriminatory, objectionable and obscene, claims
advocate Jamie Lee Hamilton. In this proposed new
zoning the city is discriminating against sex workers
by expressly prohibiting them from obtaining licences
under this proposed new category which flies in the
face of current zoning which allows sex workers to be
licenced by the city under the general OFFICE
category. The city should be careful because they seem
to be treading into an area of human rights violations
and this could result in disputes around Human Rights
and Charter of Rights issues, says Hamilton. With the
Olympics planned for Vancouver, I'm certain the city
does not wish to be embroiled in negative campaigns
regarding hateful discriminatory policy and potential
claims of human rights violations", states Hamilton. 

The city is holding a public hearing on Wednesday
September 10th in council chambers at 7:30 pm
regarding this proposed new zoning. Hamilton will be
presenting a brief and will also introduce the
government of New Zealand's proposed new prostitution
law reform which has recently passed third reading. 

For further info contact Jamie Lee at (604) 781-6624
-----------------------------------------------------
"Love is profoundly political. Our deepest revolution will 
come when we understand this truth. Only Love can 
give us the strength to go forward in the midst of 
heartbreak and misery. Only Love can give us the 
power to reconcile, to redeem, the power to renew weary 
spirits and save lost souls.The transformative power of 
Love is the foundation of all meaningful social change."
---Bell Hooks