Buying Sex

Buying Sex is a 2013 documentary film that boldly ventures into the contentious and widely debated issue of prostitution laws around the world. Directed by Teresa MacInnes and Kent Nason, the film aims to analyze and provoke thought about the legal and social implications of buying and selling sex. It is not merely an exposition of the sex trade industry, but positions itself as a nuanced discussion of the power dynamics, legislation, and sociological perspectives that coexist within it. The film stars Trisha Baptie, Janine Benedet, and Valerie Scott, who offer their unique insights and perspectives.

Trisha Baptie, a former sex worker-turned-activist, presents her firsthand experience in the trade. With a determined aim to expunge the market for paid sex, she argues the need for criminalizing the buyers of sexual services, not the sellers. She’s a strong advocate for the 'Nordic Model', which focuses on presenting prostitution as an issue of gender inequality and pushing for laws that punish the buyers and decriminalize the sellers.

Joining the narrative is Janine Benedet, a leading feminist academic from the University of British Columbia who highlights the way laws about prostitution are formulated and interpreted. She draws attention to the dangers of decriminalizing or legalizing prostitution, arguing that this would only lead to increased exploitation of women. Benedet brings to the table a stark understanding of the feminist perspectives on these laws and the gender-based human rights issues that come to play.

Contrasting these viewpoints is Valerie Scott, a sex worker rights advocate and legal coordinator at Sex Professionals of Canada (SPOC). She takes a liberal stance and staunchly fights for the decriminalizing of sex work on the grounds of protecting the rights and safety of sex workers. Scott’s perspective is grounded in her belief that sex work is a legitimate form of work, and the people involved have a right to engage in it without fear or criminal repercussions.

The film skillfully uses the backdrop of Canada, where the Supreme Court had struck down existing prostitution laws due to their contravention of sex workers' constitutional rights, leaving the Parliament a one-year window to introduce new legislation. This premise engages the viewers in an ongoing legal battle and policy discussion, creating a sense of immediacy and relevance.

Through a combination of interviews, anecdotes, and legal debates, Buying Sex provides a comprehensive view of various attitudes towards prostitution and its regulation. Directors MacInnes and Nason handle the subject matter with great sensitivity and respect, focusing on rendering the larger picture rather than trivializing the issue into personal experiences and isolated cases.

It strips back layers of a topic often riddled with misconceptions and prejudice and approaches it from varied angles - considering the views of sex workers, ex-workers, lawmakers, and academia. The film intelligently navigates between the theory and reality of sex work, bringing to the forefront the voices of women entrenched in the sex trade, while also addressing the legal and sociological facets of the discussion.

Buying Sex refrains from taking sides; instead, it presents viewers with the complexities that bind the sex trade industry, encouraging them to ponder the ethics, laws, and societal impact. It breaks down the overly simplistic narratives of victimhood or empowerment that often dominate discussions around prostitution, and instead highlights the nuanced realities that sex workers face.

This documentary doesn't seek to resolve the issue, but instead aims to generate a well-informed discourse around it. It is an exploration of personal experiences within grand societal frameworks and the grey areas between legality, morality, and human rights.

With compelling arguments from its main contributors and an in-depth look at the intertwined issues, Buying Sex serves as an educational platform for viewers to understand and appreciate the intricacies of the global debate on prostitution laws. A crucial watch for anyone interested in feminist jurisprudence, human rights, or social justice issues, it ultimately aims to spur informed and balanced debate on this deeply contentious issue.

Buying Sex is more than just a documentary; it's an invitation to engage, to rethink and to express empathy towards the lived experiences of those involved in the sex trade while reflecting upon the law and societal stances revolving around it.