Important news for C.A.S.E supporters:

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!

In case you have not heard, Bill C-22, the Age of Protection legislation passed third reading in the House May 3rd and has gone to the Senate.

Thank you to all for your untiring efforts to get us to this moment, 

What a victory for our youth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now let's hope the senators approve it quickly.

Many thanks to all for your continuous support and donations,

Mary Hawkley

Co-President of CASE

CANADIAN CHILDREN ARE PROTECTED BY THE NEW LAW

Friday, May 3^rd was one a most wonderful day -- the passage of Bill C-22, raising the age of consent to 16 years of age.  That means it is illegal for adults to engage in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16 years. It is strange that after all the years of opposition to this and the defeat of every like bill that has been debated over the years, this one passed unanimously. That is not a complaint, just an observation!  Another observation is that the news media did not report the passage of this Bill that protects children from sexual predators.

THE GOOD NEWS IS;

v     There is now zero tolerance when a child under 16 years of age is sexual used by an adult

v     Because the child gave consent can not be used as a defense.

v     Thinking that the child is older can no longer be a defense.

v     Canada is no longer has the lowest age of  consent all in Western world and therefore no longer be a haven for child sex tourism.

v     The close in age exemption (5years) means consensual teenage relationships will not be criminalized.

v     This new law strengthens and in harmonious with current child protection laws.

o       Child pornography

o       Internet luring

o       Child prostitution

o       Child abuse

o       Child sex tourism

Because of legislation passed in June 2005, teenager aged 16 and 17 (within legal definition of a child) will continue to have protection from adult predators because the following should be considered by the courts:

v     The age differential between the teenager and the adult

v     The vulnerability of the child

v     The power and authority of the adult

v     The trust relationship between the adult and the victim

As you know, Dolina Smith (Past President of C.A.S.E) has been speaking out on the issue of the age of consent for at least 15 years.  During the last few years C.A.S.E.’s White Ribbon of  Signatures campaign has been an effective and creative tool to get people involved and for sending the message to the MPs. Over those years other voices from other organizations were added.  We know that these collective voices from many organizations and individuals across this nation have been united and that has been powerful. Through all this we have learned that:

·        If we believe in something important we must never give up.

·        We really can make a difference.

·        Our voices will eventually be heard and actions taken.

·        If what we are asking for is correct and true it will eventually happen.

·        Working with all the like-minded people brings results.

·        Collectively we are powerful. 

·        A cool headed logical approach is the very best.

C.A.S.E.’s only regret is that the change in the law didn’t happen 15 years ago.  Think of all the teenagers that might have been protected from sexual assault and abuse and the lifetimes of trauma that might have been prevented.

Thanks for all you did to make this happen.

Don’t forget to thank your MP for making this happen.

C.A.S.E. Board Members

www.4case.ca