KINSA applauds today's announcement that the age of protection for sexual activity has been raised from 14 years to 16 years, as part of the Tackling Violent Crime Act that was introduced by Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Rob Nicholson.

• Click here to read the announcement.



• Click here for an online version of the complete Tackling Violent Crime Act (Bill C-2) on the Parliament of Canada Web site.

KINSA has long advocated this change in the legislation, as a legal mechanism forming part of the arsenal in protecting children from sexual exploitation. Essentially, it prohibits sexual contact with 14 or 15 year olds if the sexual partner is more than 5 years older. This recognizes that recent studies have pointed to 14 and 15 year olds as those most likely to be victimized by adult sexual predators in internet luring situations. It balances this perspective against the recognition that 14 and 15 year olds also have the right to pursue their awakening sexual development, but that that development should take place in the safety of a social environment limited to their peers in age.

KINSA's previous commentary on this issue is available as follows:

• KINSA Comments on Age of Consent (June 22, 2006)



• KINSA White Paper: Teenagers' Sexuality, Protection from Predators, and Choice: Striking the Right Balance (PDF)