Saskatchewan should bare it all
When it comes to sex, our provincial government has proved time and again to be prudes. The law dictates that licensed establishments can’t host any stripping shows. With our economic gains and increasing population, we have an opportunity to make ourselves more fun, more inviting, and less outdated.
Around us, there is a veritable cornucopia of sexiness and booze; both Manitoba and Alberta allow stripping and liquor to join in harmony. We are the prudish neighbours sitting on the porch with stern, judging expressions, when deep down inside, we really want to carouse just like our western buddies.
I’m not very cultured, but a few years ago I lived in Montreal for a month. It was a bit of a culture shock for a small-town girl from Saskatchewan going to a city where there are strip bars every way you turn, for every sexual preference. At one point, I walked past what appeared to be an innocent beach sandcastle display in a store window, and realized it was strewn with countless phallic objects and dildos.
But, being sexually progressive isn’t a bad thing. Saskatchewan covers up the sex trade and keeps it behind closed doors. Don’t you think having a legitimate and legal job as a stripper in a bar where people can actually drink and make a living is a better alternative to prostitution or going to another province to make money? Our law implies that people can‘t control themselves when they’re drinking and will get out of hand. But other provinces understand the economic benefits to allowing it, and they accept the costs of making sure things are safe.
Strip clubs are not the seedy joints lawmakers must be imagining. If they are properly regulated, there is nothing wrong with some innocent, sexy, naked, drunk fun. And strippers do have some sweet, legitimate skills beyond the ability to expose their private bits to the public. Good strippers are pretty much like watching a mini Cirque du Soleil. What’s wrong with that?
Our laws are a reflection of our culture. I think our reluctance to get on board with more progressive stripping laws doesn’t properly reflect our socially progressive values. To other provinces, our draconian laws are laughable. It’s time we move forward and open up new doors as a province. Hopefully, we grab the bull by the horn and change the law so we can get off the porch and join the party.
Chelsea Laskowski
Contributor
