2004:01 CRIMINALIZE THE USE OF DATE RAPE DRUGS
Whereas the non-medical and surreptitious use of date rape drugs by rapists is a relatively new phenomenon; and
Whereas date rape drugs negatively affect the central nervous system causing disorientation, loss of memory, unconsciousness and even death; and
Whereas the number of date rape drugs is on the increase, and their non-medical surreptitious use is a serious and growing phenomenon that should be considered a crime, with these drugs recognized as weapons; and
Whereas to date there are inadequate legal penalties directed against this heinous practice, nor any adequate national educational program to alert the public to the dangerous effects of their use; therefore be it
Resolved that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy the inclusion in the Criminal Code of Canada the crime of the surreptitious use of known date rape drugs by any persons as weapons; and be it further
Resolved that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to add to the Criminal Code of Canada the crime of the non-medical and surreptitious use of currently known date rape drugs as weapons, to add other drugs having similar effects as they are developed, and to develop and/or enhance national educational programs to educate the public about the dangerous and possible long-term effects of these drugs.