Liberals confirm updates on Sexual Assault laws.

The federal government has introduced legislation to clarify and expand the sexual assault provisions in the Criminal Code, clearing up issues of consent and the use of a complainant’s past sexual history at a trial.

Bill C-51, introduced today by Justice Minister contains a large update to the Criminal Code that also repeals various obsolete, irrelevant or unconstitutional sections.The bill put forth introduces a series of amendments to clarify and strengthen the sexual assault and “rape shield” laws, including some that reflect Supreme Court of Canada decisions and address “misapplications” of current law.