On Wednesday, March 27th, Hamilton City Council unanimously supported a motion to prepare a proclamation supporting the national Age of Consent Campaign. The goal of the campaign is to raise the legal age at which one may give consent to an adult for sexual activity or participate in pornography production. Currently that age is 14. The campaign is seeking to raise it to 18 years of age. The motion was as a result of a presentation by Canadians for Positive Community Standards (CPCS). CPCS is a local organization which speaks out against pornography and provides education about the harm that pornography brings to society.

The presenter, Mrs. Cleda Yachetti, recited relevant statistics, comments and quotes which highlighted the urgent need to protect Canadian children from adult predators by raising the legal age of consent. Mrs. Yachetti made reference to a National Post article of May 18th, 1999 which identified a self-proclaimed gay rights activist Gerald Hannon who expressed his pleasure with a report that had suggested that child/adult sex acts do not cause lasting psychological harm. Mr. Hannon stated, "It took years, years and many years for the gay rights movement to make inroads into the public consciousness and changes in the social policy. I suspected this would take longer, but it's nice to see a first step has been taken." This statement alone should motivate a nation. It is precisely the Mr. Hannon's of this world from whom Canadian children must be protected.

Councillor Jackson wisely noted that, although on the surface this may be a federal issue, the effects of child/adult sex and pornography are felt throughout every community with tremendous emotional and financial cost. Councillor Mitchell praised Mrs. Yachetti stating that he has known no other person to do more volunteer work for the protection of children. City Council directed the City legal department to prepare a proclamation to be issued to the Minister of Justice in support of the age of consent campaign.

Contact Mayor Wade and let him know that you support the City's proclamation. (905) 546-4200, mayorwade@city.hamilton.on.ca.

by Jim Enos

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