Canada's top court to hear government appeal of ruling striking down ban on brothels

TORONTO – The Supreme Court of Canada says it will hear a government appeal of a ruling striking down a ban on brothels.

Ontario's top court said in March that a ban on brothels increased the dangers prostitutes face because it forces them to work outside, and it ruled that sex workers should be allowed to work safely indoors.

But the Supreme Court said Thursday that it will look at the country's main prostitution laws. The top court says it also will hear an appeal by sex workers over a ban on soliciting, which the Ontario court had upheld.

The Supreme Court says a stay on legalizing brothels will remain in place until the case is decided.