The 4th World Congress for the Abolition of Prostitution took place in Montreal, with a focus on supporting survivors of sexual exploitation and working towards a world without prostitution. Front-line workers, advocates, and organizations gathered to discuss the issue and explore ways to end the sexual exploitation of women and girls. La CLES, a community organization, works with various groups in the sex industry to achieve this goal, emphasizing the importance of equality and support for those most affected by prostitution.
Indigenous survivor April Eve Wiberg shared her experiences of commercialized sexual exploitation and emphasized the need for Indigenous women and girls to reclaim their traditional roles. She highlighted the significance of events like the congress in allowing survivors to speak out and find support, connecting with others who may be suffering in silence. Wiberg emphasized the importance of moving away from viewing Indigenous women as objects and finding ways to support their well-being without resorting to selling what is sacred.
A counter-protest by pro-sex work activists at Place Émilie-Gamelin opposed the congress, advocating for the rights of sex workers and against its abolition. Adore Goldman, a sex worker and activist with the Sex Workers Autonomous Committee, expressed the shared experiences of survival and violence within the sex industry. While acknowledging the existence of exploitation, they argued that organizing as workers was a better solution than abolishing the industry altogether, as exploitation exists in various industries and criminalizing aspects of sex work puts sex workers at risk.
In Canada, the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act criminalizes the buying of sex but not its sale. Pro-sex work activists believe that the Act does not sufficiently protect sex workers and puts them in danger, while abolitionists like Jennie-Laure Sully argue that the Act is not properly enforced. Both sides acknowledge the need to address exploitation and violence within the sex industry, but differ in their approach to achieving safe and supportive conditions for sex workers.
Overall, the congress aimed to bring together various perspectives and stakeholders to address the complexities of prostitution and sexual exploitation. Advocates for abolition highlighted the importance of supporting survivors and addressing systemic inequalities that contribute to the exploitation of women and girls, particularly those from marginalized communities. Meanwhile, pro-sex work activists emphasized the agency and rights of sex workers, advocating for improved working conditions and challenging the criminalization of their trade. Moving forward, ongoing dialogue and collaboration will be crucial in finding solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in the sex industry.
