from www.network.nationalpost.com – Concerned about how a court challenge of Canada’s prostitution laws may affect efforts to stamp out the illegal sex trade in west-end Toronto, councillor Giorgio Mammoliti (York West) commissioned a study today to discuss the issue at Etobicoke York Community Council.

With massage parlours and even hair salons serving as fronts for illegal prostitution, Mr. Mammoliti, a possible mayoral contender, worries the whole city could become one big red-light district in the event the sex trade is decriminalized by the courts or Parliament.

“The city of Toronto right now is the biggest pimp in North America,” he said, referring to the licensing of such establishments by the city.

While many people blame the adult entertainment industry and strip clubs for shady dealings, Mr. Mammoliti said they’re actually “bottom of the list” of problem operators

“I’ve tried to have this discussion in the past and it’s fallen on deaf ears both at the political level and the bureaucratic level,” he said.

The report is due back to community council Nov. 10.