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Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 18

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
September 06, 2022
Consent Awareness Week Act, 2022
  • This bill, called the Consent Awareness Week Act, 2022, aims to address the issue of sexual violence and consent in Ontario. Recent events, such as allegations of group sexual assault by a hockey team and high-profile sexual assault cases, have highlighted the urgent need for action. Only 28% of Canadians fully understand consent, and social factors like race, ability, gender, sexuality, and class influence how consent is given and received. Not understanding consent can lead to sexual harassment and assault, with approximately 636,000 self-reported cases of sexual assault in Canada each year, 41% of which involve post-secondary students. Consent education is important for all genders, as 15% of girls and women and 9% of boys and men between 14 and 21 have experienced forced sexual acts by a peer. Ontario will be the first jurisdiction in Canada to recognize and adopt Consent Awareness Week, which will be held during the third week of September each year. The week aims to encourage conversations about consent, celebrate its importance in all relationships, and teach valuable life skills related to consent. The Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • Steelman Argument: The proclamation of Consent Awareness Week through Bill 18 in 2022 is a crucial step towards addressing the urgent issue of sexual violence and promoting consent education in Ontario. Recent events, such as allegations of group sexual assault and high-profile sexual assault cases, have highlighted the need for increased awareness and action in this area. One of the main reasons for proclaiming Consent Awareness Week is the lack of understanding of consent among Canadians. Only 28% of Canadians fully comprehend the meaning of consent, which is a concerning statistic. By dedicating a week to consent education, the government aims to raise awareness and improve understanding among individuals, groups, and communities. The effects of not understanding consent are far-reaching and include sexual harassment and sexual assault. With approximately 636,000 self-reported cases of sexual assault in Canada each year, it is evident that there is a pressing need for comprehensive consent education. By focusing on consent, Consent Awareness Week aims to address these issues and promote a culture of respect and safety. It is important to note that the need for consent education applies to all genders. The statistics show that both girls/women and boys/men experience sexual acts forced upon them by their peers. By recognizing Consent Awareness Week, Ontario is taking a proactive approach to address this issue and provide support for all individuals who have experienced sexual violence. The timing of Consent Awareness Week, during the third week of September, is significant. This period coincides with the start of a new academic year, which has been identified as a time when sexual violence increases on post-secondary campuses. By raising awareness during this time, Consent Awareness Week serves as a reminder that everyone has the right to be respected and safe in their living, working, studying, and recreational environments. In conclusion, the proclamation of Consent Awareness Week through Bill 18 in 2022 is a necessary and important step towards addressing sexual violence and promoting consent education in Ontario. By dedicating a week to thoughtful and affirming conversations about consent, the government aims to improve understanding, champion consent as a cornerstone for all relationships, and equip individuals with valuable life skills related to consent.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill 18 2022: While the intention behind Bill 18 2022 may be to address sexual violence and promote consent awareness, there are several concerns that arise from this legislation. Firstly, it is important to recognize that the government should not be involved in dictating what conversations individuals have or when they have them. The decision to discuss consent and engage in conversations about it should be left to individuals, families, and communities, rather than being mandated by the government. This legislation infringes upon personal freedoms and undermines the principle of limited government intervention. Furthermore, the focus on consent awareness may lead to an overemphasis on individual responsibility, potentially neglecting other important factors that contribute to sexual violence. It is crucial to consider the role of personal accountability and the importance of teaching individuals to make responsible choices. However, it is equally important to acknowledge the influence of cultural factors, family dynamics, and societal values in shaping attitudes towards consent. Additionally, the legislation assumes that individuals lack understanding of consent, which may not be an accurate representation of the population. The claim that only 28 percent of Canadians fully understand consent is questionable and lacks sufficient evidence. It is important to base policy decisions on accurate and reliable data rather than assumptions. Moreover, the establishment of Consent Awareness Week may inadvertently create a divisive environment by focusing on social location and intersectionality. While it is important to address sexual violence across all demographics, emphasizing these factors may lead to a sense of victimhood and perpetuate a culture of identity politics. It is crucial to promote unity and equality among all individuals, regardless of their social location. Lastly, the legislation fails to address the potential unintended consequences of mandatory consent education. It is possible that such education may lead to an overreliance on legal definitions of consent, stifling natural human interaction and creating a climate of fear and mistrust. It is essential to strike a balance between promoting consent awareness and preserving the freedom to engage in spontaneous and genuine human connections. In conclusion, while the goal of addressing sexual violence and promoting consent awareness is commendable, Bill 18 2022 raises concerns regarding government intervention, potential overemphasis on individual responsibility, lack of accurate data, divisive focus on social location, and unintended consequences. It is important to approach these issues with caution and consider alternative approaches that respect personal freedoms and promote a holistic understanding of consent.
First Reading
  • Sept. 6, 2022, noon
  • In Progress
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