Criticisms are mounting over comments by a Halifax judge in acquitting a cab driver of sexual assault. In his ruling, Judge Gregory Lenehan commented that clearly a drunk can consent to sex.
That offends Community Services Minister Joanne Bernard who says she shares the mounting outrage of people. Bernard says it’s so discouraging to her in 2017 to worry about the message this sends to victims of sexual violence. She says a drunk yes is a big no.
Susan Wilson, at the Avalon Sexual Assault Centre, says there need to be better definitions and understanding about consent law, calling legal and medical definitions of drunk hazy.