In a landmark move towards equality and justice, Canada has repealed historic indecency and anti-abortion laws that targeted the LGBTQ community and women. The criminal justice system reform will allow people who were previously convicted under such offenses to clear their records. The repealed laws targeted women’s and LGBTQ individuals’ access to abortion, as well as bathhouses, nightclubs, and swinger clubs, considered safe spaces for queer communities.
Marci Ien, the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, stated that “Canadians deserve non-discriminatory policies that put their safety first.” The government recognizes that past laws and regulations were unjust and compromised the freedoms of LGBTQ communities and women. By repealing these laws, people with previous convictions can apply for an expungement order for free under the 2018 Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act, which allows for the permanent destruction of “historically unjust records of conviction.”
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police had previously used indecency laws to raid gay nightclubs and bathhouses across Canada, charging customers, employees, and performers. In 1981, 286 men were charged under these outdated laws in Toronto for being at a bawdy house. The anti-abortion law had been outdated since 1988 when the Supreme Court of Canada named the law unconstitutional.
This significant move towards justice will allow individuals who were unfairly convicted under these laws to clear their records, providing them with a fresh start in life. Applicants will need information regarding the conviction to meet certain criteria. If the person convicted has passed away, a family member or trustee may apply on their behalf.
Canada’s decision to repeal these laws sends a powerful message to the world that every individual deserves equal rights and protection under the law. The repeal of these historic laws marks a step towards equality and justice for the LGBTQ community and women. It affirms Canada’s commitment to protecting the rights of all individuals and ensuring that discriminatory laws and policies have no place in society.
In conclusion, this historic move towards justice and equality has been long-awaited by the LGBTQ community and women in Canada. The repeal of these laws marks a significant moment in Canada’s history and sends a message to the world that all individuals deserve equal rights and protection under the law. Canada has taken a significant step towards justice for all, and this decision will have a profound impact on the lives of those who were unfairly convicted under these laws.
