Canada is at imminent risk of losing its Nordic/Equality Model laws enacted in 2014. There is a constitutional challenge in the courts and we expect a Parliamentary committee to recommend repeal after a series of lopsided hearings. Only the Conservative party supports the law and they are in the minority. We need all of the public and international condemnation of this move that we can get.
I served a mission for my church in Spain, and this article puts SO much into context for me.
I was always surprised at the sheer number of ways I would meet people who were somehow caught up in the sex trade in one way or another: Changing bedsheets, putting flyers on windshields, or whatever they could do to make a few extra Euro. For the handful of women I became acquainted with who were caught up in prostitution itself, it had a tight grip on their lives. Even women who were free agents and didn't have a pimp lacked the job skills and structure to pull themselves out of that hole.
There's a ton of illegal immigration happening in Spain as well, which makes these immigrants particularly vulnerable to trafficking and mistreatment. Most of the people I worked with were working in some variation of slavery. It is VERY difficult and expensive to get your papers in order in Spain.
Also my missionary companions and I ran into prostitution or the evidences thereof everywhere no matter how nice the area was. On at least one occasion that I can remember, I—a woman who at the time was dressed only mildly better than a nun—was mistaken for a prostitute because we were knocking on doors late at night. Apparently this apartment full of old Portuguese perverts had ordered women like a couple of pizzas.
I had always wondered if they were pulling a prank on us. Apparently not.
I lived in Catalonia for some years.I witnessed the huge brothels on the border at La Jonquera between France and Spain.There were prostitutes on the roadsides in daylight sitting on white plastic chairs.These were a 'joke' amongst expats.I am in contact with political leaders and journalists in Catalonia.I will contact them and applaud this historic success.There is masses to do to help these trafficked women and to educate, but this is a marvellous start.I am an author as well as a campaigner.Thank you Julie too.You are wonderful.👏👏👏💪💪
Yesterday at a friends-giving the conversation of prostitution in Spain was opened up. Thankfully I was with a group of feminist men which meant an excellent conversation, and education on my part, ensued.
I, at the beginning of the conversation, was pro legalisation and policing of the industry for the women. Having seen the legalisation in Australia and spoke to women who had worked in the industry (albeit only a couple of women but I really quizzed them), I felt it was the best option. If it’s going to exist, why not make it safe.
But, yesterday, one of the guys said that effectively banning and legalising would end the same way. To stop it, because if it’s legalised they can’t traffic (which 90% of prostitutes aren’t from Spain) or employ illegal immigrants. The 10% wouldn’t sustain the industry and it’d eventually die out.
Then it dawned on me. I wasn’t a feminist condoning the buying of women, that I’d become an accomplice to men and their disgusting views of women being items to do what they demand.
So today I’ve been deep diving and found you. I very much look forward to reading what you write. If you know of any way I could join supporting women in prostitution in Spain, I’d love to hear 💚
Canada is at imminent risk of losing its Nordic/Equality Model laws enacted in 2014. There is a constitutional challenge in the courts and we expect a Parliamentary committee to recommend repeal after a series of lopsided hearings. Only the Conservative party supports the law and they are in the minority. We need all of the public and international condemnation of this move that we can get.
Terrible
Brilliant. I’m a survivor and advocate, I live in California, and I’m following the situation in Spain. Thank you so much!
xxx
She is brilliant and courageous. What great interview!
she is
I served a mission for my church in Spain, and this article puts SO much into context for me.
I was always surprised at the sheer number of ways I would meet people who were somehow caught up in the sex trade in one way or another: Changing bedsheets, putting flyers on windshields, or whatever they could do to make a few extra Euro. For the handful of women I became acquainted with who were caught up in prostitution itself, it had a tight grip on their lives. Even women who were free agents and didn't have a pimp lacked the job skills and structure to pull themselves out of that hole.
There's a ton of illegal immigration happening in Spain as well, which makes these immigrants particularly vulnerable to trafficking and mistreatment. Most of the people I worked with were working in some variation of slavery. It is VERY difficult and expensive to get your papers in order in Spain.
Also my missionary companions and I ran into prostitution or the evidences thereof everywhere no matter how nice the area was. On at least one occasion that I can remember, I—a woman who at the time was dressed only mildly better than a nun—was mistaken for a prostitute because we were knocking on doors late at night. Apparently this apartment full of old Portuguese perverts had ordered women like a couple of pizzas.
I had always wondered if they were pulling a prank on us. Apparently not.
Thank you
♥️
I lived in Catalonia for some years.I witnessed the huge brothels on the border at La Jonquera between France and Spain.There were prostitutes on the roadsides in daylight sitting on white plastic chairs.These were a 'joke' amongst expats.I am in contact with political leaders and journalists in Catalonia.I will contact them and applaud this historic success.There is masses to do to help these trafficked women and to educate, but this is a marvellous start.I am an author as well as a campaigner.Thank you Julie too.You are wonderful.👏👏👏💪💪
back at you, Sue
Yesterday at a friends-giving the conversation of prostitution in Spain was opened up. Thankfully I was with a group of feminist men which meant an excellent conversation, and education on my part, ensued.
I, at the beginning of the conversation, was pro legalisation and policing of the industry for the women. Having seen the legalisation in Australia and spoke to women who had worked in the industry (albeit only a couple of women but I really quizzed them), I felt it was the best option. If it’s going to exist, why not make it safe.
But, yesterday, one of the guys said that effectively banning and legalising would end the same way. To stop it, because if it’s legalised they can’t traffic (which 90% of prostitutes aren’t from Spain) or employ illegal immigrants. The 10% wouldn’t sustain the industry and it’d eventually die out.
Then it dawned on me. I wasn’t a feminist condoning the buying of women, that I’d become an accomplice to men and their disgusting views of women being items to do what they demand.
So today I’ve been deep diving and found you. I very much look forward to reading what you write. If you know of any way I could join supporting women in prostitution in Spain, I’d love to hear 💚