Canada's supreme court, finding that the laws were "grossly disproportionate," struck down Canada's anti-prostitution laws yesterday, giving Canadian lawmakers one year to craft new legislation that will create a safer environment for prostitution.

"It is not a crime in Canada to sell sex for money," Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin wrote in the court's decision, which was unanimous.

The court found that Canada's laws had created a dangerous environment for sex workers, who face hurdles receiving healthcare and working safely.

"Whether because of financial desperation, drug addictions, mental illness, or compulsion from pimps, they often have little choice but to sell their bodies for money," wrote Justice McLachlin.

Canada's justice minister said he will review "this very complex matter," while the Canadian parliament works on creating new prostitution laws. If no new laws are passed, all standing laws will be voided by the end of next year.