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Media Advisory
For Immediate Release
April 15th, 2004
Coalition Seeks Answers in Overreaction by
Legislature
BC Crown council decided not to pursue charges against the five
representatives from the BC Coalition of Women’s Centres expected to
appear in court in Victoria today. They were arrested on
allegations of assault by trespass last month when they refused to
leave a meeting with the Minister for Women’s Services, Ida Chong.
The Coalition attended the meeting in March with the expectation that
government was prepared to have an open and honest discussion about
funding for women’s centres.
“Instead the same rhetoric was the only thing that the Minister had to
offer and that wasn’t good enough”, said Michelle Dodds, one of the
five.
“It was clear to us then and is clearer now, that our actions were not
criminal and that the response was heavy handed - we have a right to
engage in peaceful protest,” added Dodie Goldney, who was also arrested
on March 12th.
“The BC Liberals have demonstrated over and over again their contempt
for women in BC, and their disregard for democracy,” said Debra
Critchley. “The lifetime ban that was issued to us by the
legislative security is proof of that.”
The five women insisted on their right to be heard and have a real
discussion about BC women and women’s issues. Instead, they were
arrested, handcuffed, photographed, fingerprinted, jailed and
charged.
The Coalition is extremely concerned about the harsh treatment these
women were subjected to by the Legislature. Someone called in the
police, someone authorized or directed the arrests and the Coalition
wants to find out who had the final say.
Although the charges have not been approved by the Crown, the potential
impact the arrests may have on the five women’s lives is far-reaching.
The BCCWC 5 is being represented by Leo McGrady Q.C., a lawyer with
McGrady, Baugh and Whyte in Vancouver. He is dealing with having the
lifetime ban revoked and other outstanding issues.
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