Yesterday (May 2), a bill on the distribution of intimate images passed third reading in the Alberta Legislature unanimously.

Airdrie MLA Angela Pitt was glad to see Bill 202, Protecting Victims of Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Images Act, pass with such support, saying she believes the bill will catch Alberta up to some of the realities of our current time.

"It's a common sense solution to a problem that really has emerged because of our technology and the day and age that we live in."

Pitt was a little surprised by the support the bill got from all sides, as it is not common for a private member's bill from the opposition to not only be passed, but that it will become law so quickly.

The bill cracks down on a type of cyber-bullying commonly called "revenge porn", where intimate images of a person are circulated without consent in a way that is meant to humiliate the victim.

The bill allows the victim of non-consensual distribution to take a perpetrator to court, and also specifically aims at protecting students. The bill will permit school administrators to suspend students engaging in this type of behaviour, while school divisions can also consider additional punishments.

"Of course when an intimate image of a child is shared, this is certainly illegal. It's actually child pornography," said Pitt. "But this allows for the school's to take action as well and nip that bullying in the bud."

Pitt also said that this type of cyber-bullying is not limited to just students, and she is glad that victims of any age can have a legal recourse if they are victimized.

"It's such a widespread, sweeping, hurtful act. I mean, this can cost somebody a job and can cause many, many more problems as well, so it's good to see that there's a law in place that's going to protect victims."

The bill is expected to get royal assent tomorrow, at which point it will become law.

 

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