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People wearing face masks hold signs as sex workers demand better work conditions and the decriminalisation of sex work during a demonstration in downtown Montreal, Canada, on May 23, 2026, during the Formula 1 weekend. (Photo: AFP)<\/p>\n
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May 24, 2026<\/p>\n
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MONTREAL, Canada (AFP) \u2014 Dozens of sex workers in Montreal went on strike during the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix, demanding better working conditions and the decriminalisation of sex work, protesters said.<\/p>\n
Around 200 people demonstrated on Saturday in the city\u2019s downtown neighbourhood, where numerous strip clubs are located, in support of the strike.<\/p>\n
Demonstrators carried signs with slogans like, \u201cNo to whorephobia\u201d and \u201cThis slut deserves safety.\u201d<\/p>\n
One protester, Ella, who did not give her surname, told AFP that the demonstration by sex workers was a first for Quebec.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe face a lot of stigmatization,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
In Canada, it is legal to sell sexual services but it remains illegal to purchase them.<\/p>\n
Melina May, co\u2011founder of the Autonomous Sex Work Committee (CATS) and a sex worker herself, said that the demonstrators were calling for an end to the \u201cmodel of partial criminalisation\u201d to help improve their safety.<\/p>\n
She said they decided to strike over the Grand Prix because that weekend was \u201cvery profitable for the bosses.\u201d<\/p>\n
Demonstrators also called for a ban on strip clubs charging sex workers for the right to approach clients.<\/p>\n
They said these fees are often increased for events like the Grand Prix, forcing dancers to pay up to 150 Canadian dollars (US$108) to work.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t want to have to pay to work anymore,\u201d said Adore Golman, a 30\u2011year\u2011old CATS activist and sex worker.<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t{“jamaica-observer”:”Jamaica Observer”}\t\t<\/p>\n
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