The Canadian federal government is revising its Criminal Code to address issues such as femicide and deepfake pornography. Justice Minister Sean Fraser announced these changes, aimed primarily at protecting victims.
Key Changes Under the ‘Protecting Victims Act’
The proposed legislation introduces significant amendments. It categorizes certain homicides as first-degree murder. This includes murders driven by control, hate, sexual violence, or exploitation.
Focus on Femicide
- The bill directly addresses femicide, defined as the murder of women motivated by hatred.
- A constructive first-degree murder charge will apply if specific factors are present.
- These factors encompass hate motivation and killings occurring alongside sexual offenses.
Addressing Deepfake Pornography
In a landmark move, the legislation expands the definition of criminal offenses related to non-consensual sharing of intimate images. This includes explicit deepfakes generated using artificial intelligence.
- The new law criminalizes the distribution of intimate images created through AI.
- Threatening to share deepfake images will also be punishable under the revised code.
Mandatory Minimum Punishments Restored
The legislation aims to restore mandatory minimum sentences. These will apply to certain sexual offenses, enhancing the maximum penalties associated with them.
Fraser emphasized that the government will align these penalties with the Supreme Court of Canada’s guidance, ensuring constitutional compliance.
Coercive Control Redesigned as a Criminal Offense
For the first time, the bill introduces a specific prohibition against engaging in controlling or coercive conduct towards intimate partners. This marks a significant step in addressing domestic abuse.
The Protecting Victims Act signifies a proactive approach by the Canadian government to safeguard individuals against emerging threats and societal issues. Through these amendments, officials are committing to a more robust legal framework aimed at combating violence and exploitation.
