Community action needed to stop 'honour crimes' in Canada

Today Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, spoke of the need for community-based groups to address the issue of "honour crimes" while repeating that Canada condemns these crimes.

Ambrose is urging women's groups and community organizations to submit to the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada project proposals that explore, expose and contribute to ending violence against women, including the crime of honour killing. "All Canadian girls and women are equal to men under the law, and have the right to live free from violence and abuse," Minister Ambrose said in a press release. "Violence directed at women and girls which may be viewed as culturally acceptable has no place in Canadian society. This type of violence, often known as 'honour killings,' is a heinous abuse of power and human rights." Ambrose said that as a nation Canada is proud of the contributions that are made by diverse cultural communities. "However, killing or mutilating anyone, least of all a family member, is utterly unacceptable under all circumstances and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law." In the latest citizenship guide there is a section devoted to explaining that Canada does not tolerate barbaric cultural practices where spousal abuse, so-called honour killings, female genital mutilation or other gender-based violence are involved.