By Canadian Press

Advocates say complainants should be able to opt out of publication bans

Dec 19, 2022 | 1:17 PM

OTTAWA — Advocates are calling for the federal government to update laws around publication bans to better support victims who want to come forward and tell their stories.

Morrell Andrews says she fought against a publication ban on her name last year because she wanted to be able to talk about her experience with sexual assault. 

She says she’s optimistic that message is now being heard in Ottawa. 

NDP MP Laurel Collins has introduced a parliamentary petition calling for complainants in sexual assault cases to be given a choice about whether the court bans publication of their names or identifying details. 

A parliamentary report released earlier this month says judges almost always impose publication bans to protect the identity of complainants in sexual assaults, but some victims say they should be consulted first.

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The report recommends the government change the Criminal Code to allow victims of sexual offences to opt out of publication bans if they wish. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 19, 2022. 

The Canadian Press