Editor:
Whilst I wholeheartedly concur with Dina Kennedy’s quest to eradicate human trafficking as well as the involvement of minors in the sex trade, I disagree with her all-encompassing analogy that strip clubs, massage parlours and prostitution necessarily involve human trafficking or minors.
I object to the insinuation that owners and patrons of strip clubs or other “exotic” entertainment facilities contribute to human trafficking by default. Such an analogy is patently unfair toward strip clubs and their customers.
Strip clubs are, by far, harmless entertainment, and, on most days, couples seem to be the prevailing attendees. Perhaps Kennedy should attend our local establishment (run entirely by female management) and speak with some of the dancers, where she will quickly hear that the performers are there of their own volition.
Human trafficking, as well as the involvement of minors in strip clubs, are not only crimes in this country; they are completely reprehensible acts to which no one should contribute.
Watching consenting and un-coerced adults strip for money is not a crime, nor is it reprehensible.
Bernd Eisele
Williams Lake