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BC Court to rule whether the law against polygamy is constitutional

Vancouver – On Wednesday, November 23, 2011, Chief Justice Bauman will release his decision in the polygamy reference, determining whether Canada’s anti-polygamy law is consistent with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The BCCLA participated in the reference, arguing that Canada’s anti-polygamy law offends fundamental freedoms. The BCCLA argued that individuals should be free to make the life choices they wish so long as those choices do not harm other people and they engage in them with free, informed and full consent. By intruding into adults’ decisions about the form of conjugal relationship that best meets their personal needs and aspirations, the law overextends the reach of the criminal law into individuals’ private lives, intruding into their most private relationships.

The BCCLA is represented by Monique Pongracic-Speier of Ethos Law Group LLP.

The BCCLA’s argument is available here.

What: BC Supreme Court will release decision in polygamy reference

When: BCCLA representatives will be available Tuesday, November 22 for comment in advance of the release, and immediately after the release on Wednesday, November 23 at 10:00 a.m. (The reasons will be sent electronically to counsel at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 23.)

Where: Vancouver, BC

Who: Counsel for the BCCLA, Monique Pongracic-Speier, and BCCLA Policy Director, Micheal Vonn, will be available for comment

MEDIA CONTACTS

Monique Pongracic-Speier, Lawyer for the BCCLA, 604-916-2590

Micheal Vonn, BCCLA Policy Director, 604-630-9753

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