Motion M-47 states: That the Standing Committee on Health be instructed to examine the public health effects of the ease of access and viewing of online violent and degrading sexually explicit material on children, women and men, recognizing and respecting the provincial and territorial jurisdictions in this regard, and that the said Committee report its findings to the House no later than July 2017.

If this motion is adopted by the House of Commons, it would require the Standing Committee on Health to conduct a study on violent pornography. The last major federal study on the impact of pornography was in 1985 before the Internet was invented. A study would allow for a broad spectrum of stakeholders to be involved in developing future policy on this important issue.

“…with the issue of online violent sexualized content we have seen significant research that shows that generations, now of young people and young boys specifically, who are being exposed to explicit violent sexualized content that depicts the degradation and the dehumanization, objectification of women leads to increased violence…. As a mother, I know how many times children accidentally stumble onto some of the most horrifying sexual violence on the Internet when they are innocently typing in something. To see that kind of long-term shaping of attitudes towards women and girls, which are based, and shaping of attitudes towards sex and shaping of attitudes towards relationships that then become based on violence, and we’re seeing it more and more because of the violent content on the Internet that increasingly higher numbers of young children are being exposed to.”

Ms. Dawn Lavell-Harvard  [Excerpt from AANO Committee – April 12, 2016]

Timeline

• November 14 – Scheduled First hour of debate
• December 8 or 9 – Second hour of debate
• December 14 – Vote on M-47
• Spring 2017 – If successful, a study will be held during this time

Please write to your MP today: Download the sample letter In PDF or WORD:

Call To Action: Motion M-47 Word

Call To Action: Motion M-47 PDF

UPDATE (Email):

Friends,

I am pleased to share with you that today (November 14, 2016), Motion M-47, was debated in the House of Commons. Since being introduced on March 8, 2016, M-47 has garnered the support of over 40 organizations representing a broad coalition of child advocacy agencies, women’s support centres, and victims’ rights organizations. M-47 has also been jointly seconded by MPs from the Conservative, Liberal, NDP, Bloc and Green parties.

It has been incredible to see the strong movement of support from coast to coast to coast for Motion M-47 across a diverse array of organizations. This is an issue that many are deeply concerned about.

The adoption of M-47 could lead to better protection for youth online, champion the dignity of our girls and the spirit of our boys, and end sexual violence.

I was pleased to see such strong support from all parties today for M-47. Many of the speakers highlighted that Parliament has not studied this issue for over 30 years.

I want to thank you for your ongoing support for this motion. The next (and final) hour of debate should be on December 8 and the vote on December 14. This means the Health Committee will be undertaking this study in the spring. I will continue to keep you updated on the next stages.

Sincerely,

Arnold Viersen

Member of Parliament
Peace River – Westlock
Deputy Critic for Rural Affairs
Email: arnold.viersen@parl.gc.ca
Tel: 613.996.1783   Toll Free: 1.800.667.8450