Former workers in Magdalene laundries in several countries, including
Canada, say they endured abuse and enforced, silent labour for little to
no pay. ST. JOHN’S, N.L.—They were called fallen
women, and through much of the last two centuries they toiled in
church-run Magdalene laundries as penance for often-petty crimes, “loose
morals” or for having no place to go.
Former
workers in several countries, including Canada, say they endured long
days of enforced silent labour for little or no pay. Some say they were
physically and sexually abused, and told over and over again that they
were worthless sinners.
