Restricting the Production, Distribution, and Sale of Pornography in Canada

2975 Words6 Pages

Many women have been mistreated at one point or another in their lives. This form of abuse assumes many forms and is not always visible to the naked eye. One of these such hardships that women of the 20th century have had to face is the struggle for equality. In Canada, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms affords women full equality before and under law and equal protection and benefit of the law.1 But yet, this society openly contributions to the production, sale, and distribution of pornography which implies that women are second class citizens. Destroying these stereotypes which portray women as slaves, objects, toys, and mindless, sex-driven beings must be accomplished in order for women to attain true equality. The censorship of pornography is not in violation of the Freedom of Expression guaranteed in section 2 (b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms since pornography drastically compromises a woman's right to equal treatment as was proven by the R v. Butler ruling of 1992, it makes those portrayed in pornography subject to acts of violence, and it corrupts the moral fiber of society. During the 1960's and 70's, North America saw the rise of a counterculture movement which instigated societal change. During this time period, the Women's Liberation movement was able to establish females as being equal to males in virtually every aspect. It is this movement that educated society about the role of women in society being equal to the role of man. Many people however, now consider that women's liberation has been achieved; but this is far from the case. Despite being officially recognised as contributing members of society (achieved in 1982 with the final draft of the Constitution Act), as section 28 of... ... middle of paper ... ... 11 Ibid. Pg. 793 12 Ibid. Pg. 793 13 Ibid. Pg. 793 14 Baird, Robert M. and Stuart E Rosenbaum. Pornography - Private Right or Public Menace. Pg. 51 15 Ibid. Pg. 52 16 Ibid. Pg. 52 17 Kaihla, Paul. Sex and the Law. MacLean's. Pg. 31 18 Statistics obtained from Angus Reid Website. See Works Cited List 19 Ibid. 20 Orr, Lisa. Censorship: Opposing Viewpoints Pg. 186 21 Ibid. Pg. 191 22 Ellen Harris, Lesley. Highlights of Bill C-128 - Child Pornography 23 Kaihla, Paul. Sex and the Law. MacLean's. Pg. 32 24 Ibid. Pg. 32 25 Ibid. Pg. 33 26 Ibid. Pg. 33 27 Baird, Robert M. and Stuart E Rosenbaum. Pornography - Private Right or Public Menace Pg. 52 28 Ibid. Pg. 52 29 Canadian Government Report. Report of the Special Committee on Pornography and Prostitution. 30 Ibid.

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