Pimping, soliciting and running brothels have been decriminalised in Canada's Ontario province after judges overturned a ban on the practices.
The Ontario Superior Court upheld a challenge brought by three prostitutes who argued that the ban forced them to risk their safety on the streets.
One of the prostitutes described the ruling as emancipation for sex workers.
The national government is considering appealing against the ruling, amid fears other provinces could follow.
The ruling will go into effect in 30 days if the government does not appeal.
In a 131-page ruling, Judge Susan Himel found national laws banning brothels, solicitation of clients and managing sex workers violated a provision of the constitution guaranteeing "the right to life, liberty and security".
She called on the Canadian parliament to regulate the sex trade rather than ban such practices.
"These laws... force prostitutes to choose between their liberty, interest and their right to security of the person," she said.
BBC News
