NEWS RELEASE

February 18, 2000                                                                                                   For Immediate Release

Constituents Tell Breitkreuz - Government Should Protect Children

"99% think government should insure that child pornography remain illegal"

Yorkton - Garry Breitkreuz, Member of Parliament for Yorkton - Melville, has released the results of a questionnaire on "Child Pornography" which was circulated to areas of the constituency. "People are upset about the government's lack of action following the B.C. court ruling which allowed for the possession of child pornography. The courts stated banning the possession of child pornography infringes on our rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The results of this survey show the public is outraged by this government's lack of action," commented Breitkreuz.

99% of respondents thought the government should take immediate action to insure the possession of child pornography remains illegal. 98% thought the government should have taken this action before the Supreme Court heard the case. "The constituents of Yorkton - Melville want government to make the laws instead of letting the courts set the direction for this country. That sentiment was evident by some of the comments I received," said Breitkreuz.

"It's about time government took a firm stand and decided not to go to the Supreme Courts and get a verdict that opens up an even bigger can of worms."

"Our government is acting very irresponsibly on human rights. The victims (the children) are also entitled to human rights. The government should stamp out child pornography and not allow the issue to go to the courts in the first place."

"Most of the comments I received, wondered how the government could even allow this type of practice to occur in Canada," Breitkreuz stated.

"It seems to me that if it is illegal to make child pornography, shouldn't it be only reasonable to assume that it should be illegal to be in possession of it? It is similar to having possession of stolen goods - there are penalties for that aren't there?"

"The government's inaction has already allowed for the possession of this despicable material over the past year. Liberals talk about their children's agenda but are nowhere to be found when it comes to protecting our children from this disgusting industry. If the Supreme Court upholds the B.C. Court of Appeal decision, what will the government do? The courts should not be making law in Canada." Breitkreuz renewed his commitment to protect children. "I will continue to press the government to make the possession of child pornography illegal," Breitkreuz concluded.

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For more information please call:

Yorkton: 1-800-667-6606

Ottawa: (613) 992-4394

Email: breitg2@sk.sympatico.ca