How does Canadian criminal law treat “honour killings” and other gender-based violence?
- They are allowed if part of a cultural tradition
- They are handled only by religious leaders
- They are private family matters
- They are serious crimes and are severely punished
Answer: They are serious crimes and are severely punished
Canada’s openness and generosity do not extend to barbaric practices such as spousal abuse, “honour killings,” female genital mutilation or forced marriage. These are gender-based violence, and those guilty are severely punished under Canada’s criminal laws. Culture or family tradition is no excuse.
Learn more: Equality of women and men
- In Canada, men and women are equal under the law.
- Barbaric cultural practices that tolerate spousal abuse, “honour killings,” female genital mutilation, forced marriage or other gender-based violence are not accepted in Canada.
- Those guilty of these crimes are severely punished under Canada’s criminal laws.