From Canadian Polyamory Advocacy Association (CPAA)
CPAA spokesperson:
Kiki Christie, kikichristie@gmail.com
250-507-8076 weekends and evenings after 8:00
Should the government decide who we sleep with?
Canadian Polyamory Panel to Take Public Questions
That’s just one question on the minds of members of the growing polyamory movement, who feel they are under attack by a Canadian law that is under review this winter. "The controversial law is considered a tool to target polygamists, but it could also be used to send others to jail", says Kiki Christie, a spokesperson for the Canadian Polyamory Advocacy Association (CPAA).
"Polyamory is a practice in which consenting adults can have more than one romantic partner, but it is fundamentally different from the polygamy that is causing concern for lawmakers and the public", says Christie. For example, it does not give special rights to men, assign spouses to underage people, or teach its customs inside closed communities. That’s just the beginning.
“Polyamory is a post-modern, ethical and compassionate relationship style that begins by assuming that love is not limited,” says Christie, who acknowledges that the practice is not well understood, with outsiders frequently comparing it to swinging or cheating. “Polyamory advocates are making waves in the upcoming court case, but many people still don't understand how polyamory is different from polygamy.”
A panel discussion at UVIC entitled “What is Polyamory?” on November 17th aims to dispel myths and raise awareness for the movement. The media, students and public are invited to find out more and bring their questions.
Hosted by Poly 101 on Campus, a UVIC student society club, the event will feature polyamory-supporting service providers, counsellors, polyamorous people and people in relationships that are polyamorous.
The panel comes at a time when curiosity about such relationships is building. On November 22nd, the BC Supreme Court will sit for at least 40 days to hear witnesses and re-examine the law, Criminal Code s. 293, which criminalizes relationships with more than two people as soon as they choose to make a formal commitment. The CPAA will be on hand to represent polyamorous people across Canada, and to argue for clarity in the law.
With only volunteers, a part-time lawyer and a small amount of funds, calling and interviewing witnesses will be hard without last-minute support, says Christie. Those who wish to support CPAA financially may donate at the event or www.polyadvocacy.ca/donate
"What Is Polyamory?" panel takes place on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 7 pm, at the University of Victoria, in the David Strong Building, Room C103.
POLY 101 ON CAMPUS
Poly 101 on Campus is a UVSS club that evolved from students attending a local discussion group called Victoria Poly 101 to meet, discuss and support each other in the exploration and the practice of ethical consensual non-monogamy.
CPAA
CPAA advocates on behalf of Canadians who practice polyamory. It promotes legal, social, government, and institutional acceptance and support of polyamory, and advances the interests of the Canadian polyamorous community generally. Section 293 of the Criminal Code of Canada purports to outlaw polyamorous people living together as families. It penalizes us as soon as we make a serious commitment to one another.
CANADIAN CRIMINAL CODE S. 293 FULL LEGAL TEXT
(1) Every one who
(a) practises or enters into or in any manner agrees or consents to practise or enter into
(i) any form of polygamy, or
(ii) any kind of conjugal union with more than one person at the same time, whether or not it is by law recognized as a binding form of marriage, or
(b) celebrates, assists or is a party to a rite, ceremony, contract or consent that purports to sanction a relationship mentioned in subparagraph (a)(i) or (ii), is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.
Evidence in case of polygamy
(2) Where an accused is charged with an offence under this section, no averment or proof of the method by which the alleged relationship was entered into, agreed to or consented to is necessary in the indictment or on the trial of the accused, nor is it necessary on the trial to prove that the persons who are alleged to have entered into the relationship had or intended to have sexual intercourse.
CONTACTS
Polyamory Panel Discussion organizer:
Cora Bilsker 250-507-1674, poly101oncampus@gmail.com
CPAA spokesperson:
Kiki Christie, kikichristie@gmail.com
250-507-8076 weekends and evenings after 8:00
Robyn Trask
Executive Director
Loving More Non-profit
970-667-5683
About Loving More®
Loving More Non-Profit Corporation
PO Box 1658
Loveland, CO 80539
970-667-5683
www.lovemore.com
Board of Directors/Staff
Robyn L Trask, Executive Director and Editor (robyn@lovemore.com)
Jesus V Garcia, IT Director/Board Member (jesus@lovemore.com)
Anita Wagner, Board of Directors Member (anita.wagner@practicalpolyamory.com)
Loving More Mission
To educate people about and support polyamory as a valid
choice in loving relationships and family lifestyle.
What we believe
Loving relationships and healthy families can come in many beautiful and valid forms. How people choose to experience relationships and love is an individual and personal choice. Through education about polyamory and other relationship or love styles, we hope to allow people the freedom to be open and honest about their personal love and relationship choices, without fear of the prejudice or hardships that being non-traditional can bring. Through education, publicity and research, we intend to open the door to freedom and safety for those who choose polyamory as individuals and as families.
Loving More® is a national non-profit corporation, educational website, online community and magazine dedicated to the support and education of polyamory and polyamorous issues, supporting the polyamorous community both nationally and internationally for more than twenty four years. Currently our application for 501c(3) status, making us a non-profit charitable organization, is pending with the IRS.
The Loving More Website offers information on polyamory including terminology, FAQ, links, professional listings and is a portal through our links to local, national and international groups/organizations about or related to polyamorous issues.
Loving More Magazine started out as PEP Talk (Polyamory Education Primer) and in 1994 became Loving More Magazine. It is the oldest magazine in the world dedicated exclusively to responsible multi-partner relationships. The magazine features articles from people who are deeply involved in the polyamorous relationship style and focuses on issues such as jealousy, compersion, communication, family, sexuality and social stigma. Each issue includes polyamory resource listings, book and video reviews, a calendar of events, and advice column.
For over 24 years the Loving More® organization has sponsored an annual polyamory conference retreat. The educational efforts have now grown to include two Hotel conferences known as Poly Living on the East and West Coast, the annual Loving More Retreat being held in upstate New York, the Loving Choices one day seminars around the country, as well as sponsoring classes and workshops, support groups and running an online bookstore.
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