Morality Offences
BCCLA argues polygamy law is unconstitutional
The BCCLA has filed its final arguments in the B.C. Supreme Court hearing that will determine whether Canada’s anti-polygamy law is constitutional. The BCCLA argues that the anti-polygamy law offends fundamental freedoms protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
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Mar 17, 2011
BCCLA joins hearing to call for end to discriminatory polygamy law
The BCCLA is calling Canada’s polygamy law discriminatory and an inappropriate use of the criminal law as it launches its participation in B.C.’s historic constitutional reference.
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November 22, 2010
BCCLA calls on B.C. to implement Ontario sex work ruling
Following a court ruling from Ontario that found the Criminal Code prohibitions on sex work are unconstitutional, the B.C. Civil Liberties Association called on B.C. to abide by the ruling and reform employment law accordingly.
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October 4, 2010
Government Does the Right Thing on Polygamy
The BCCLA applauded the decision of BC’s Attorney General Michael de Jong to refer the constitutionality of the criminal code section that makes polygamy illegal in Canada to the B.C. Supreme Court.
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October 23, 2009

Vancouver Public Library Bans Suicide Discussion
The Vancouver Public Library Board confirmed the decision of library management to ban a scheduled discussion on assisted suicide at the VPL main branch. Australian group Exit International had booked a room to present a workshop based on their bestselling book The Peaceful Pill Handbook.
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October 20, 2009
Library Agrees to Re-Examine Decision Barring Suicide Discussion From Meeting Rooms
Following a presentation from the BCCLA last night, the Vancouver Public Library Board has agreed to revisit a decision by VPL management to bar the pro-choice group Exit International from presenting in library meeting rooms.
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September 24, 2009
BCCLA Asks Vancouver Public Library to Overturn Right to Die Presentation Ban
The Vancouver Public Library is inappropriately restricting free speech by preventing a right to die group from discussing suicide methods with members of the public says the BCCLA.
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September 21, 2009
BCCLA Supports May Day Call for Sex Worker Rights
The BCCLA wrote a letter to the Premier today in support of the demands of a number of Vancouver advocacy organizations for improved protection of the health and safety of sex workers and the improvement of the conditions in which they typically work. News release >>
Letter to Premier Campbell >>
April 30, 2009
BCCLA Calls for Charges to be Dropped in Polygamy Cases
The BCCLA calls for charges to be dropped in the recently laid polygamy cases in Bountiful.
News release >>
February 9, 2009
BCCLA President John Russell's Op-Ed piece on Bountiful appeared in the July 28, 2004
edition of
the Vancouver Sun.
July 28, 2004
POSITIONS
- 2005 Sex work laws
- 1984 Prostitution injunction trades injustice for injustice
- 1982 Prostitution, solicitation, bawdy-house & related matters
- 1978 Solicitation: Comments on proposed amendments to the Criminal Code

