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Bill C-71 (Rape)

76.8 Bill C71

Whereas, Bill C-71 was passed January 27, 1976, being concerned with a revision of the provisions of the Criminal Code

of Canada with respect to the offence of rape; and,

Whereas, Present Criminal Code legislation related to rape does not reflect the moral and social values of the Canadian

public, but continues to view rape as a sexual crime and not an assault; therefore,

RESOLVED, That The National Council of Women of Canada recommend to the Government of Canada that legislation should

be further enacted to describe rape as sexual assault under the general heading of assault.

  1. Various forms and degrees of sexual assault should be specified, i.e.:
    a) Indecent assault;
    b) Sexual assault under threat of bodily harm;
    c) Sexual assault with bodily harm;
    d) Assault with sexual penetration, of an orifice of the victim’s body, etc.
  2. That sentencing should range from six months to 20 years, depending on the degree of the assault. First offenders should be referred for psychological counselling.
  3. (Sexual intercourse with a female under 14) That an offence of assault would be committed where
    a victim is under the age of 12 years, or where the victim is under 16 years of age and the actor is a member of the same household or a blood relative.