2004:01 - Criminalize the Use of Date Rape Drugs
Whereas Statements
- The non-medical and secretive use of date rape drugs by rapists is a relatively new phenomenon.
- Date rape drugs negatively affect the central nervous system, causing disorientation, memory loss, unconsciousness, and even death.
- The use of date rape drugs is increasing, and their non-medical, surreptitious use should be considered a crime, with these drugs classified as weapons.
- There are currently inadequate legal penalties for this heinous practice, and no national educational programs to inform the public about their dangers.
Resolved Statements
Resolved #1: The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopts as policy the inclusion of the surreptitious use of known date rape drugs as a crime in the Criminal Code of Canada, recognizing them as weapons.
Resolved #2: The NCWC urges the Government of Canada to:
- Add date rape drugs to the Criminal Code of Canada as weapons.
- Include any future drugs that have similar effects.
- Develop and enhance national educational programs to warn the public about the dangers and long-term effects of these drugs.