Clear Full Forecast

Harris Urging Quick Pass For Age of Protection Bill

By 250 News

Friday, May 11, 2007 09:03 AM

Cariboo-Prince George MP Dick Harris is calling on the Senate to quickly pass Bill C-22, the long-awaited Age of Protection legislation.

Formerly called the Age of Consent, Bill C-22 raises the age of protection for children from 14 to 16 years of age.

Harris says the former Liberal government spent years opposing any measure to raise the age of consent, but he's hopeful that a Liberal-dominated Senate will not delay a quick passage, saying "our Canadian children needed this protection long ago."

"This will help the police, who have been asking for tougher laws, to shut down adults who sexually exploit our children," concludes Harris.


Previous Story - Next Story

Email Email | Print Print | Share on Facebook Facebook | Tweet! Twitter | Digg Digg | Del.icio.us Del.icio.us

Posted on Friday, May 11, 2007 09:03 AM in News by 250 News

Return to Home
NetBistro

Comments

Comment Posted by: whynotyou on May 11 2007 1:06 PM
YES, YES YES YES - YOU got my support on this, ASAP please.
Comment Posted by: Gofaster on May 11 2007 7:30 PM
Figures that he would take on this one...
I have to agree that the age should be raised...lets make it 19!
Comment Posted by: thereasonableman on May 11 2007 11:01 PM
Long overdue...now let's enforce it too.
Comment Posted by: Chester on May 11 2007 11:03 PM
It truly amazes me that there are elected politicians who would not be in favour of raising the age of consent. Chester
Comment Posted by: owl on May 12 2007 1:10 AM
"This will help the police, who have been asking for tougher laws, to shut down adults who sexually exploit our children," concludes Harris.

So I wonder what Bill C-2 having been given Royal assent in 2005 did?

According to this link http://www.justice.gc.ca/en/news/nr/2005/doc_31582.html it created a new offence against sexual exploitation of youth (aged 14-18) to better protect youth against those who would prey on their vulnerability. Has Harris ever read it?

So what will this “age of consent” bill actually do?

This site has another view than Harris. http://www.ageofconsent.ca/#one

It states: “Only 'non-exploitative' sexual activity will be criminalized. While the government claims that the increase will protect youth, the opposite is much more likely.

"Studies show that youth are significantly less likely to seek sexual health information or advice if they fall below the age of consent. With young people making up a large percentage of new HIV and STI/STD infections, this proposal has dangerous consequences for youth education and public health."
Comment Posted by: thereasonableman on May 13 2007 11:35 PM
Owl could argue anything.

It is a good thing.

It is long overdue.

It tightens up the law for people who like to mess with kids.

It offers more protection to kids than without it.
Comment Posted by: thereasonableman on May 13 2007 11:38 PM
Harris is making the most of this media opportunity, of course.