Canada's Most Famous Dominatrix Canada's Most Famous Dominatrix 
Historic Court Case
Canada's prostitution laws were struck down in Ontario on September 28, 2010. In a 131 page decision the judge said, "I declare that the bawdy-house provision, the living on the avails of prostitution provision, and the communication provision... are unconstitutional... and to strike the word 'prostitution' from the definition of 'common bawdy-house'". The judge also said that the laws, "... are not in accord with the principals of fundamental justice and must be struck down".
For almost three years two other plaintiffs and I have been in proceedings in court in a constitutional challenge to the present prostitution and bawdy-house legislation. There were dozens of expert witnesses during many weeks of sittings behind closed doors. It is seen as a landmark Canadian case. Canadian law professor Alan Young, one of the finest Canadians and lawyers alive, mounted this massive court battle with the assistance of his team of dedicated law students. The public part of the trial, covering about 9 days, was held late in 2009. This was open to the public and was widely covered by the media. Judge Susan Himel spent a year on the decision. It was released September 28, 2010. The government, before even having time to read the decision, announced that they would appeal. The existing laws, under the decision, were to remain intact for 30 days, but we agreed to another 30 days as a courtesy. The government went to court on November 22 to seek an extension of the stay. The court agreed to an extension until April 29, with the intention that the appeal be expedited. So where we stand on December 4, 2010, is that the prostitution laws fall on April 29, 2011 if the government does not succeed at appeal by that date or if no appeal is heard. It is possible that other motions will be heard before April 29.