OTTAWA, ON (NEWS1130) – This week’s landmark Supreme Court of Canada ruling could do more than open the door to decriminalized prostitution, it also changes who can be allowed to take part in a constitutional challenge.

The ruling allows a former sex trade worker and a group representing prostitutes to argue against the country’s laws in court. It’s called ‘giving them standing.’

The federal government argued they aren’t related to the case, but the high court shot them down.

Laura Track with the Legal Education and Action Fund says that opens the door to other groups launching constitutional challenges.

“I look forward to seeing the ways that groups use this important precedent to bring forward important human rights and environmental and constitutional cases,” explains Track. “First Nations have been significantly involved in bringing forward cases in the public’s interest and helping to develop the test for when those groups should be granted standing.”

However, she says there’s no evidence to suggest this will lead to a bunch of people who’ll want to bring up issues that are a waste of time and don’t belong in a courtroom.