OTTAWA, May 18, 2006 The Catholic Civil Rights League (www.ccrl.ca) today welcomed the introduction of a private members bill that would make it a separate offence to kill or injure an unborn child while committing a violent crime against its mother.
Introduced and given first reading yesterday by MP Leon Benoit, Bill C-291 would recognize two persons in crimes such as the murder last year of Liana White in Edmonton, or Stacey Peterson in California . In both cases, unborn children were killed when their mothers were killed. However, California law allows for murder charges in the deaths of both mother and child in such cases, but Canadian law does not.
We welcome any initiative that recognizes the separate personhood of the unborn child, commented League President Phil Horgan. This bill could be part of the process of restoring this recognition under the law.
About CCRL
Catholic Civil Rights League (www.ccrl.ca) assists in creating conditions within which Catholic teachings can be better understood, cooperates with other organizations in defending civil rights in Canada, and opposes defamation and discrimination against Catholics on the basis of their beliefs. CCRL was founded in 1985 as an independent lay organization. The Catholic Civil Rights League is a Canadian non-profit organization entirely supported by the generosity of its members.
For further information: Joanne McGarry, Executive Director, 416-466-8244; joanne.mcgarry@ccrl.ca.