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To: Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice
People living with HIV deserve just treatment: Stop the Unjust Prosecutions
The Positive Living Society of British Columbia calls on the Justice Minister to take what steps are necessary to bring a halt to prosecutions for sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault based on HIV-non-disclosure.
Why is this important?
Canadians living with HIV are vulnerable to prosecution based on the current law concerning HIV non-disclosure. Indeed, people living with HIV are being unjustly prosecuted for aggravated sexual assault even when there is almost no risk of transmitting the virus, for example, when a condom is used properly or when a person has an undetectable viral load. We call on Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice, to take the steps necessary to bring a halt to such prosecutions. Among the options we suggest be considered are:
-in co-operation with the appropriate provincial attorneys-general, issuing a simple directive to Crown prosecutors across the country to cease such prosecutions;
-sponsoring as Government business a motion in the House of Commons declaring the House never intended – and is opposed to – the use of the relevant sections of the Criminal Code regarding sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault in cases arising from HIV non-disclosure;
-sponsoring amendments to the Criminal Code’s sections 265, 271 and 273 that would preclude such prosecutions on the basis of HIV non-disclosure; or,
-such other measures as the Minister believes would result in the ending of such prosecutions.
Act with us in support of Canadians living with HIV. Join our call to the Minister of Justice to amend Canada’s Criminal Code and bring a halt to prosecutions for sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault based on HIV-non-disclosure.
-in co-operation with the appropriate provincial attorneys-general, issuing a simple directive to Crown prosecutors across the country to cease such prosecutions;
-sponsoring as Government business a motion in the House of Commons declaring the House never intended – and is opposed to – the use of the relevant sections of the Criminal Code regarding sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault in cases arising from HIV non-disclosure;
-sponsoring amendments to the Criminal Code’s sections 265, 271 and 273 that would preclude such prosecutions on the basis of HIV non-disclosure; or,
-such other measures as the Minister believes would result in the ending of such prosecutions.
Act with us in support of Canadians living with HIV. Join our call to the Minister of Justice to amend Canada’s Criminal Code and bring a halt to prosecutions for sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault based on HIV-non-disclosure.