Red Deer MP seeks new definition for ‘sexual assault material’ within Criminal Code

Bill C-275, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code, or ‘Melanie’s Law,’ would alter the Criminal Code of Canada to introduce the aforementioned definition.

Bailey explains the change would ensure victims whose assaults are recorded and shared online receive justice for the additional trauma caused by their distribution.

“‘Melanie’s Law’ is a necessary step to protect victims of sexual assault from being retraumatized and ensure these heinous crimes are punished to the full extent of the law,” said Bailey.

“We need to ensure that these abusers are not allowed to victimize anyone ever again.”

The Criminal Code of Canada currently defines several items around ‘child sexual abuse and exploitation material’ in section 163.1, including what it is, its creation, possession, and distribution.

The first-term MP was also asked about his private member’s bill’s proposed punishments, and how they align with the consistent calls of Conservatives for harsher sentences.

A spokesperson for his office notes that what is proposed is consistent with related crimes in the Criminal Code.

Under a proposed section 163.01, as it relates to possession, Bailey is calling for imprisonment of up to five years and/or a fine of up to $50,000 for an indictable offence; and jail up to two years and/or a fine of up to $20,000 for a summary conviction.

For those who access sexual assault material, the bill proposes jail up to 10 years and/or a fine up to $50,000 for an indictable offence; and imprisonment up to two years and/or a fine up to $20,000 for a summary conviction.

Under section 163.1, currently, both possession and access of ‘child sexual abuse and exploitation material,’ the options are 1-10 years for an indictable offence, or six months to two years for a summary conviction.

Bill C-275 gained first reading on April 28, not requiring a vote; a date has not yet been determined for second reading.

Bailey’s office shared that MP Bailey’s number in the order of precedence is beyond 200, explaining it is unlikely the bill would be debated further anytime soon, unless he can trade slots with another MP.

As for the bill’s name, it’s noted that ‘Melanie’s Law’ is named after a woman in Red Deer who was a victim of an online network uncovered by a CTV W5 investigative report. Melanie is not the victim’s real name.

by Josh Hall

Red Deer MP seeks new definition for ‘sexual assault material’ within Criminal Code

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