Terri-Jean Bedford: I think legal behaviour for money should be taxed. When I ran my facility I paid all taxes. If the activity is underground the incentive to do this is reduced.
The Globe and Mail: To take up Guest's point, do sex-trade workers plan to lobby for a regulation regime that would include things like workers' compensation, health standards and inclusion in the income tax regime?
Terri-Jean Bedford: I cannot speak for the various groups or their representatives.
Concerned Canadian: Do you think the reaction to this will be the Conservative government playing to their base and banning prostitution outright?
Terri-Jean Bedford: I don't know. Nor do I think it is just among their base that an aversion to prostitution exists. Opinions vary across the spectrum. I think the judgement acknowledged that.
Melissa: First off, congratulations! I was interesting in finding out the main differences, in your opinion, between legalization and decriminalization of sex work. Do you think legalization would allow for better protection of sex workers, or would decriminalization be prefered?
Terri-Jean Bedford: I think first of all that this is a question for lawyers, judges, scholars and above all the Prime Minister. But I do think that the answer would emerge when the full range of reforms is being considered.
Still Skeptical: Hello Ms. Bedford, I am pleased to see that prostitutes have been decriminalized, but I am concerned that this won't serve to protect prostitutes who are most vulnerable. Have you read Shelagh Day's report on prostitution (her research that indoor prostitution is not safer)? What do you say to feminist arguments for abolition?
The Globe and Mail: Click here for a link to a pdf of Ms. Day's report.
Terri-Jean Bedford: I have read the report and like so many others drummed up in opposition to our challege it is terribly flawed.
Guest: Further to my point, given the lucrative nature of sex trade, what would be the incentive for sex workers to give up a significant portion of their income?
Terri-Jean Bedford: I presume you are referring to payment of taxes. The same applies to numerous businesses and incomes. Why single out this type of service?
Vince: How are you doing now Terri. have you recovered from the government induced setback?
Terri-Jean Bedford: I did reopen a second facility in 1999 and closed it early in 2002. So I did get back on my feet, but since then my health failed and I am now essentially retired.
John: How do you believe the ruling will affect current escort operations? Do you believe most will now offer both in/outcall services or will most convert to incalls only to promote a safer environment?
Terri-Jean Bedford: I think at this date that largely depends on how the government responds to the decision. The Prime Minister has a choice. He can be decisive or he can hide behind the skirts of the woman judge and say its before the courts. Nonsense. It's before him.
Eileen: Hi Terri-Jean, congrats on the win. Will the legalization of sex work help curb the spread of HIV/AIDS and STIs?
Terri-Jean Bedford: Yes. Women will more freely seek advice and assistance and this is one of the ways they can protect themselves. This was also a health and safety matter.
Oralia: Can you comment on what seems to be the rising trend towards the criminalization of "the demand" or the people who purchase sex? I recently heard that at least two Latin American countries have approved the criminalization of clients, similarly to the steps taken in Norway and Sweden. And more countries seem to have proposed bills to discuss and finally approve similar laws. What do you think?
