SEX INDUSTRY/PROSTITUTION

Discussions surrounding the sex industry/prostitution have sparked divergent opinions within feminist movements. FFQ has evolved its approach, yet our objective has consistently been to cultivate mutual understanding and address the needs and concerns of all women involved.

Please Note: The definitive text of our Stances is available in French only. The English translation is provided strictly for reference.

2018

THAT FFQ recognize the agency of women in prostitution/the sex industry, including their consent to their activities;

THAT FFQ combat the stigma and barriers hindering full societal participation that persist throughout the lives of these women, even upon exiting the industry, as well as the violence and obstacles encountered in leaving prostitution/the sex industry;

THAT FFQ acknowledge the importance of safeguarding the rights to safety, health, autonomy, freedom of expression and association, as well as decent conditions in their practices and other spheres of their lives, both for those who choose to remain in prostitution/the sex industry and those seeking to exit;

THAT FFQ strive to differentiate between the sex industry, consensual exchanges, exploitative situations, and human trafficking;

THAT FFQ oppose exploitation and violence against women in prostitution/the sex industry and advocate for the rights of all women to physical and mental integrity, dignity, health, and safety;

THAT FFQ continue to combat poverty, marginalization, and adversarial relations with the state and its agents, particularly for women experiencing multiple oppressions.

2005

THAT FFQ conduct a survey of its members to determine whether it should review or maintain its current position of supporting both schools of thought on prostitution and sex work.

2004

THAT FFQ re-launch the work initiated on the issue of sex work and prostitution and establish a new working committee representing diverse viewpoints within the women’s movement to implement the proposals adopted at the September 2002 general assembly.

2002

THAT FFQ urge the federal government to decriminalize the practices of women involved in prostitution or the sex industry;

THAT FFQ organize coordinated action throughout the year with all its members to demand access for all women involved in prostitution or any other form of sex work to social, health, judicial, and police services without discrimination or prejudice;

THAT FFQ call for specialized training for public network workers, developed in collaboration with groups of sex workers and organizations combating violence against women;

THAT FFQ encourage all community resources working with women to offer support and services to women involved in prostitution or any form of sex work;

THAT FFQ urge public authorities to allocate necessary budgets for the development and availability of training tools;

THAT FFQ maintain leadership in education and discourse on prostitution and sex work;

THAT FFQ recommend to the Canadian government and governments worldwide that trafficked women not be criminalized and be able to use this as grounds for obtaining refugee status or returning to their country of origin if desired;

THAT FFQ demand that the Canadian government fulfill its commitment to the Palermo Convention.

THAT FFQ demand that the Quebec government, in its awareness campaign on violence against women promised during the World March of Women, denounce all forms of discrimination, violence, and contempt towards women involved in prostitution or any form of sex work;

THAT FFQ call on federal and provincial governments to review and enforce all laws related to violence against women to ensure respect for women’s rights to equality, safety, dignity, and privacy;

THAT FFQ advocate for the right of all women involved in prostitution or any form of sex work to organize in order to defend their rights and receive funding from federal, provincial, and municipal governments for the organizations representing them;

THAT FFQ demand that the Minister of Public Security and municipalities ensure that police officers immediately cease discriminatory practices against women involved in street prostitution.