[SWAF-Potluck] Press Release: Red Umbrella March for Sex Work Solidarity, June 14

[Andy Sorfleet]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 10, 2014

RED UMBRELLA MARCH FOR SEX WORK SOLIDARITY
SEX WORKERS, ALLIES, FAMILY AND FRIENDS STAND TOGETHER

On June 14, sex workers together with their allies, families and
friends are coming out to build the fight against Bill C-36.

This event will show public support for sex workers in their
courageous fight against the Harper government's new unjust
prostitution laws. In December, 2013, The Supreme Court of Canada
struck down Canada's prostitution laws (bawdy house, living on the
avails and communicating in public).

On June 5, the Conservative government tabled Bill C-36 replacing the
struck down laws with broader laws which make "Obtaining Sexual
Services for Consideration," "Material Benefit from Sexual Services"
and "Advertisement of Sexual Services" crimes.

If passed, it would become a crime to even discuss obtaining sexual
services with anyone in any place -- including on the telephone or
Internet -- leaving clients vulnerable to police entrapment stings.
Anyone (aside from legitimate living arrangements) who receives any
material benefit -- derived directly or indirectly -- is guilty of a
crime. As well, any material -- visual representation or written --
that advertises sexual services is outlawed.

These new laws violate our Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and will
force sex workers into an environment of crime where their rights are
not protected.

Beginning at 2:30, the rally will feature speakers at the Vancouver
Art Gallery and will be followed by a march starting at 3 p.m.
Speakers will be available before the rally to answer questions from
the media. The march will travel through the Downtown Eastside to CRAB
Park.

Participants are encouraged bring a red umbrella: the symbol of the
global sex workers' rights movement. All are invited to dress up, wear
a sexy costume, or wear red. The Red Umbrella March is part of a
national day of action, with similar events taking place in cities
across Canada, including in Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, Hamilton and
Halifax.

- 30 -

Partners in organizing: Triple-X Workers' Solidarity Association of
B.C., Downtown Eastside Sex Workers United Against Violence, Pivot
Legal Society, Providing Alternatives, Counselling and Education
Society, B.C. Coalition of Experiential Communities, FIRST: Feminists
Advocating for the Decriminalization of Sex Work.

Visit triple-x.org or our Facebook event page for more details.
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