Letter to feminist movement re the sex trade in Canada

In the wake of a series of targeted attacks–sometimes subtle, other times blatant–aimed at abolitionist feminists, we call on you, as members of the feminist movement in Québec, to react.

Abolitionist feminists address the fundamentally patriarchal but also racist, capitalist and colonialist nature of the institution of prostitution. The purpose of their political education, prevention and intervention work is to equip feminists with information and tools to enable them to argue that the sex industry is illegitimate and must be eradicated. They also seek to ensure that women have the right to extricate themselves from the exploitative conditions inherent to this industry. They work with women who are or were in the sex industry to organize, pool experiences and act for social transformation. They know that all feminists do not agree with their analysis. But they demand the right to exist, think and work from this perspective.

Abolitionist feminists are publicly denigrated, and, in diverse settings such as universities (including professors) and the social media (individuals' and group Facebook pages, blogs, websites), are characterized as: "moralizing Christians; old, fat and ugly women who have nothing to do; crazies; sluts and Nazis." Activities addressing young audiences that are designed to publicize resources for preventing young people from entering into prostitution are criticized, even though these resources are aimed at women who could benefit from these same prevention resources. Ads or announcements about helping services for women who are being sexually exploited in the sex industry are boycotted. Abolitionist feminists are explicitly combatting male violence, yet they are told they are "endangering women in prostitution," and–the ultimate insult–that they are "committing violence against women in prostitution!" …

To read the full letter and see the 127 signatures as of Sept 8, 2011: http://bit.ly/q7pZbV0

To sign this letter, please contact: info@lacles.org