Beyond Borders urges B.C. Supreme Court to consider sexual exploitation of
girls in Polygamy case

BRITISH COLUMBIA, Nov. 24 /CNW/ - Canada's global voice against child sexual exploitation, Beyond Borders, will make representations to the B.C. Supreme Court today in hearings to determine whether the nation's anti-polygamy law violates the right to religious freedom guaranteed by the constitution. The organization has "interested party" status in the case.

Beyond Borders lawyer, David Matas, will argue that, "Polygamous communities create a gender and age power imbalance, in favour of older men and against girls. The typical sexual abuser works through grooming, complicity, shaming. Polygamous communities, in this context, present a particular problem."

Beyond Borders president, Rosalind Prober says that what is at risk in this case is the freedom from sexual exploitation of girls in religious communities that see children as commodities and chattel. "We are battling those who want to remain in the dark ages with multiple child brides while living here or coming here to benefit from our incredible tolerance and respect for religious freedom," she states.

For more information on Beyond Borders visit www.beyondborders.org.

For further information:

Rosalind Prober, [phone], [email protected]
Mark E. Hecht, [phone], [email protected]