R.V. Sharpe Media (2000)
CHILDREN'S RIGHTS FIRST!

All forms of child pornography outlined in the Canadian Criminal Code, whether written, drawn or through the use of photographs with real or computer simulated children, are clearly not in the best interest of our children. Canada has signed and ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The CRC explains that "State Parties undertake to protect the child from all forms of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse (Article 34)" and that "in all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by....courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration (Article 3)." Canada therefore has an obligation, when balancing the rights of children and adults, to place a child's right to be protected from harm first. If Canada regresses and weakens its child protection legislation, breaching its international commitments, children globally will pay a heavy price. Greater consumption of the material will result, more children locally and abroad will be at risk for exploitation, and Canada will become an international warehouse for child pornography. Allowing legal possession of child pornography will send a negative example to the rest of the world at the same time as empowering and encouraging pedophiles around the globe.

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