@prefix ns0: . @prefix edm: . @prefix dcterms: . @prefix dc: . @prefix skos: . ns0:identifierAIP "dcba470b-bf9f-4dd0-b1ee-c96d4904a40b"@en ; edm:dataProvider "CONTENTdm"@en ; dcterms:isReferencedBy "http://resolve.library.ubc.ca/cgi-bin/catsearch?bid=1213576"@en ; dcterms:isPartOf "Kinesis"@en ; dcterms:issued "2013-08-15"@en, "1982-12-01"@en ; edm:aggregatedCHO "https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/kinesis/items/1.0045594/source.json"@en ; dc:format "application/pdf"@en ; skos:note " VMjioe 3The B.C. Federation of Women just held it's 9th annual convention. Pat Feindel analyzes the current state of the organization and where it's headed. 5 The fight for free standing abortion clinics is well underway in Toronto. In anticipation of the first clinic opening in the new year, more than 1000 supporters jammed a recent public meeting to prepare for the inevitable showdown. 7 Debra Lewis looks at the loopholes in B.C.'s Human Rights Legislation and the failings of the Code to deal with certain specific areas of concern to women. 11 Women in Nicaragua are taking up the challenges of building the economic, social and political life of their country. 13 Women in Northern B.C. are without many of the facilities they need to develop healthier and more creative methods of birthing. A recent conference examined the options. 15 Our earliest ancestors believed God was a woman. History has all but wiped out the original accounts of Goddess worship. Why? 21 Cy-thea Sand reviews Anne Cameron's latest' novel \"Journey'!. This time, Cameron shares her cowgirl fantasy in a modern, easy to read western. 22 Women are taking the rock world by storm. Joy Thompson looks at the politics and the message in women's agit-rock. COVER: from Merlin Stone's 'Ancient Mirrors of Womanhood', published by New Sibylline Books, New York. SUBSCRIBE TO KIMMJIJ Published 10 times a year by Vancouver Status of Women 400A West 5th Ave., Vancouver, B.C. V5Y 1J8 □ VSW membership - includes Kinesis subscription - $20 (or what you can afford) □ Kinesis subscription only - $13 □ Institutions - $40 □ Sustainers - $75 Name , Address_ _Amount Enclosed_ Please remember that VSW operates on inadequate funding — we need member support! * Special Collections Serial December/January '83 KlMSiS HI, $£ / / / —KtMWJM J[ What may have appeared to be a slump early in The year in review If you read the pages of the daily press, 1982 was certainly no year for celebration. We see reports of a stagnant economy, more and more visible images of violence against women, and the continued attempts hy the right to turn back the clock on several fronts. On the surface, times appear to be ripe for a long hibernation from political resistance, or a retreat into preserving our own individual survival tactics. Beneath the surface, however, nothing could be further from the truth. While there can be no denial of less than optimistic developments in all of these areas, it is also true that 1982 has seen a variety of significant responses on the part of women to stop what appears to be an unavoidable backlash. We are fighting back, and we are winning some victories. What may have seemed to be a slump in January, in fact was a turning point as women began to take a clear offensive on many issues. Here are just a few of the highlights of this resurgence. On Abortion: Despite the onslaught of the so-called \"pro-lifers\" and the decreasing availability of abortion in a number of communities, we continued to organize and fight for our right to choice. This summer, Planned Parenthood in Newfoundland took courageous action in tackling the Right to Life head on in a lawsuit. In Toronto, plans continue for the establishment of the first \"illegal\" abortion clinic in the province. Closer to home, Concerned Citizens for Choice on Abortion continued to forge links with other groups, and in February hundreds of people marched and rallied at the Hotel Vancouver in defense of our right to choose. On Technology: Across the country, working women have recognized that the development of new technologies in the workplace is a women's issue. In June, more than , 600 women attended a national conference on Women and Micro- technology. The conference formed a networking coalition to exchange information, Women's Mythology This issue Kinesis looks at the early Goddess religions and their accompanying female mythology. Given the extent to which we are surrounded by Christian symbol and myth during the Christmas season, we thought it appropriate to explore some of the female mythology that forms the basis of our collective woman-centred heritage and history. lobby for action, and identify women's needs in the industry as they arise. On Pornography: Porn is undoubtedly the issue which has generated the greatest response in the the broadest range of women. The distribution of the NFB film Not a Love Story through women's groups and community organizations, gave us a clearer view of what the industry has to offer. Increasing examples of pornography in our daily lives has also spurred many individuals and groups to action. In Vancouver, community response forced The Vancouver East Cinema to cancel their proposed midnight porn movies. Reactions to the rapid growth of Red Hot Video has been unprecedented, and will clearly grow stronger as we move into the new year. Throughout the past year we have seen obvious examples of our growth and strength as a movement. The ever prominent feminist presence in the peace and anti-nuke movements; the continued forging of connections between ourselves and the women of the third world; the entrenchment of equal pay as a major issue for working women both inside and outside the trade union movement—all of these developments are cause for optimism. Women are well aware of the issues on the agenda for 1983 and are taking the experiences of the past year into the challenges that confront us in the New Year. The Kinesis collective and the staff and Board of the Vancouver Status of Women wish you all the best of the season and thank you for your support throughout the year. Anti-porn picket A province-wide picket, aimed at protesting the pornographic video-tapes distributed through Red Hot Video, is being organized for December 11. Women and men are encouraged to go to the Red Hot Video outlet in their area between 2 and 3 o'clock that afternoon to form a solid picket line. The Port Coquitlam Women's Centre has contacted all provincial women's groups with a Red Hot Video store in their community and expects there will be a high turn-out. Red Hot Video recently cancelled its operation in Port Coquitlam after a three month trial run. Paulette Johnson, member of the Port Coquitlam Women's Centre calls it a victory. She says the outlet did not receive the amount of suppor u from the community it bad probably expected. The Port Coquitlam women are one of several groups who have been actively protesting the video chain since last summer. 2 Kinesis Dec/Jan 83 MOVEMENT MATTERS Sisters restaurant Sisters Restaurant, at 612 Davie Street, offers a unique space for women to dine and socialize Tuesday through Saturday evenings and at Sunday brunches. The overall purpose of the restaurant is to provide \"a space in the evenings and Sundays which is run by women, for women\". The restaurant is intended for women to meet and enjoy meals, drinks, coffees and snacks at reasonable prices in an environment featuring women's art and crafts with both live and tape women's music. The restaurant will also provide catering services to women for benefits, meetings, parties, celebrations, and workshops. During the day, the restaurant provides a business person's lunch. Women and their friends are most welcome. To ensure that Sisters can continue to offer a space for women, they are encouraging the purchase of full memberships at $50.00 each. This will entitle members to special and reduced rates throughout the year. As well, if women want to make a donation to Sisters in such areas as music, art work, handywomen skills, or money it would be greatly appreciated. Sisters thanks Vancouver women for the widespread support it has received to date. Because of their restaurant status and licensing restrictions, the summer format, Sisters: A Summer Celebration, has been changed. Sisters is anxious to hear women's suggestions, comments and ideas. VSW is looking for a member interested in acting as a representative to the B.C. Health Coalition. This group is actively lobbying provincial and federal representatives on the quality and availability of health care in this province. If you are interested in sitting in on this group on behalf of VSW please contact Hilarie Mc- Murrary at 873-1-427. KMMSM KINESIS is published ten times a year by Vancouver Status of Women. Its objectives are to enhance understanding about the changing position of women in society and work actively towards achieving social change. VIEWS EXPRESSED IN KINESIS are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect VSW policy. All unsigned material is the responsibility of the Kinesis editorial group. CORRESPONDENCE: Kinesis, Vancouver Status of Women, 400A West 5th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V5Y 1J8. MEMBERSHIP in Vancouver Status of Women is $20/year (or what you can afford). This includes a subscription to Kinesis. Individual subscriptions to Kinesis are $13/year. ISUBMISSIONS are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, and submission does not guarantee publication. WORKERS THIS ISSUE: Jean Bennett, Janet Berry, Jan De Grass, Janet Duckworth, Cole Dudley, Pat Feindel, Patty Gibson, Mary Howard, Debra Lewis, Hilarie Mackie, Janet Morgan, Elizabeth Shackleford, Esther Shannon. Anne Rayvals, Rachel Rocco, Rosemane F and thanks t DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: January 15 for February 1 publication. All copy must be double-spaced, typewritten. Anne Rayvals, Rachel Rocco, Rupps, Michelle Wollstonecroft, to Dorothy and Robin at Makara. Military sales pushed and protested Hard to believe, but true. On November 22 the B.C. Ministry of Industry and Small Business Development and the U.S. Department of Defense teamed up to sponsor a discussion of which B.C.products the U.S. Defense Department would be prepared to buy.The seminar attracted 20 Pentagon officials, and local business representatives and more than 200 protesters. Universities Minister Pat McGeer said the seminar was designed \"to create opportunities for B.C. businessmen to sell their products.\" Topics for discussion included marine technology, electric power, and defence electronics. Nonetheless, McGeer denied its obvious connection to the arms race. Protestors heard from several groups attending the rally including Aldersperson Bruce Yorke who said City Council would have nothing to do with the seminar and pledged council would support the views expressed by the 35,000 people who marched against the arms race last spring. Lesbian Conference Organizing has started for the first ever 1983 B.C. Regional Lesbian Conference—an extravaganza of lesbian music, art, sports, workshops, politics, steambaths, pool tournaments, dances, dinners, and much MORE...Mark the May long weekend May 20- 23, 1983 on your calendars now and watch Kinesis for monthly updates and pre- conference spectacular fundraising events. Or get involved by contacting one of the Conference Committees: Fundraising, Cultural Events, Childcare, Food, Billeting, Agenda and Workshops, also Publicity and Outreach. Childcare will be available at the conference from Friday night to Monday afternoon. Our objective is to provide top quality childcare. The organizing committee has chosen childcare to be a priority issue in this year's conference. We are encouraging non-mothering lesbian involvement with this priority issue. We hope that weekend will be as memorable for the children as for us. Some activity ideas are field trips, workshops, sports and crafts. A separate sleeping space will be available. We welcome more ideas. Workers will be paid hourly and expected to be of a responsible nature with experience and/or first aid being an asset. Also women to lead workshops for children are needed. If interested, please contact Rachel at 876-3269 or Avril and Ami at 525-4837. A billeting committe has been formed to house visiting women for the weekend. We are hoping and expecting a very large number of women to this event and many of them will be from outlying areas of the province. Therefore plenty of housing will be needed for the weekend of May 20-23, 1983. If you have any information or offers of available space please contact Nadine at 987-8983 or Ami at 525-4837. Our first Fundraising Event will be the Lavender Elephant Bazaar on December 11, 1982 at the Britannia Community Centre, between 1 and 4:30 pm. Any donations will be appreciated preferably by December 9. Clothes, housewares, toys, books, trinkets, etc. Any craftwomen wishing to sell goods at the bazaar please contact us about table rental. For more information or pickup of goods call: 873-5086, 254- 8761, 525-4837, or 738-8285. We are looking for submissions for a conference poster. Women interested in working with the conference can contact Peg (Fundraising and Outreach)738-8285; or Nym (Agenda and Workshops) 876-4541, 251-4601j or Anne (Cultural Events) 873- 5086. Come on out and show your support. For more information regarding: memberships; music and entertainment, displays and art work; booking for parties, workshops and celebrations; and how to donate service or money please call us at: 681-6400 and ask for Cedar or Marion. Update on Lucy's In October's issue of Kinesis, there is an interview with one of the owners of Lucy's, (formerly the Quadra Club) which I had done in early September. Since then, so many changes have taken place at Lucy's that I thought Kinesis readers might appreciate an update, just in case you were debating whether or not to go there. There are no longer exotic dancers. Top Man Leather does not have an outlet at Lucy's any longer. An unusual event took place at Lucy's in September. It was a vote among patrons as to whether Lucy's would remain a mixed club or revert back to what it was before, a women's only club with Mondays and Wednesdays being the only exception. (Lucy's is now closed on Mondays.) The overwhelming majority voted for the latter. Now, to the best of my knowledge, Lucy's is back to being a women's only bar except on Wednesdays. However, during certain special events, such as the nights when the new wave band M0EV performed live at Lucy's and when Rose Rowell won the Ms. Gay Vancouver title, men were also admitted. So what does all this mean? \"You pays your money, you takes your chances.\" This is true of Lucy's. If you're really not into sharing your night out at a club with men, ask the door person first before you pay your cover charge (Fridays and Saturdays ). Midwifery Conference planned The Midwives Association of British Columbi; is holding a conference on midwifery February 18 to February 20, 1983. Midwifery 1983: 2nd Labour of Love Conferenc has invited several guest speakers, including Doris Haire (author of Cultural Warping of Childbirth) and Elizabeth Davis (author of Heart and Hands: A Guide to Midwifery. The conference will be held at the Hotel Vancouver at a cost of $150 per delegates More information can be obtained by contacting the Association at 1053 Douglas Cres., Vancouver, or calling 261-9471. Dec/Jan 83 Kinesis 3 ACROSS B.C. BCFW: meeting our needs . . . or just so much navel gazing? by Pat Feindel B.C. Federation of Women held its 9th annual convention at Naramata in mid- November. An extremely tight agenda included two time slots for educational workshops, four plenary sessions, no less than three workshops devoted to examining various aspects of BCFW structure and process, regional and committee meetings, various ad hoc meetings, and three social evenings for anyone who had energy to spare. Perhaps the most significant feature of this year's convention was its record low- turnout. Of the 35 (more or less up-to- date) member groups, fewer than 20 were represented by 36 registered delegates. (Three years ago, membership stood at approximately 50 groups.) Participants in a workshop on BCFW membership speculated on the causes of the clearly dwindling interest and\"participation in BCFW, although with very little feedback from the groups who have left. The workshop listed several of the organization's successes and problems and certainly the successes were impressive. Why then, are groups leaving? Some possible or partial explanations included the failure of BCFW to do effective outreach, dwindling finances, and philosophical differences among member groups as to what BCFW's role should be in the women's movement. Considerable time was devoted to clarifying what this philosophical difference amounted to. Two positions emerged: the desire to have a loosely-based coalition with a broad basis of unity for communication, information exchange, education and support for actions; in contrast to a desire to have BCFW become a more closely-knit \"working group\" of members who share a tighter basis of unity and more extensive commitment to specific actions. This led to some discussion of how tightly members were expected to adhere to policy, membership requirements, and the role of BCFW as an organization Introducing women to the women's movement. The question of which goals are appropriate for BCFW, was of course, not answered and the discussion was not resolved. Plans are afoot to organize continuing discussions by region. Certainly, basic philsophical differences lay at the root of several internal issues that ended up taking a disproportionate amount of time at this year's convention: whether to have plenary sessions open or closed to non-delegates; whether or not to accept individual members to BCFW and on what basis; voting structure of the co-ordinating collective; and even whether one woman at the convention would be permitted to attend plenary sessions. While all this internal examination takes place, alternative networks for communication have sprung up. In northern B.C., a northern women's network is publishing a newsletter Aspen. In the lower mainland recent events around Red Hot Video have spawned an ad hoc coalition of groups working against pornography (only half of which are BCFW members). One begins to wonder at what point all this internal examination and restructuring becomes just so much navel-gazing. Has the extensive amount of time devoted to this examination, even at the convention, really moved the women's movement forward? If so much examination and reexamination is required, are we flogging a dead horse? Are we keeping BCFW alive simply because it is there or because it is meeting our needs as a movement? And, finally, has BCFW become so unwieldy as a bureaucratic structure that it can no longer meet our needs? Legal aid cuts strand women \"I froze. My mind went blank. I had to cross-examine my husband. I couldn't think of any of the things I wanted to bring out. All I knew was that I wanted custody of my children and that I wanted a legal document saying that.\" That was the experience of a Victoria woman who was forced to represent herself in a custody dispute in Family Court. Women are now in the position of having to go to Family Court, to fight for custody of their children and support from their husbands, without any legal help and without knowing how a court operates, or what they are supposed to do. This is the result of the Attorney- General 's funding cuts. The Attorney- General used to provide lawyers for applicants in Family Court most of whom were women. The Legal Services Society, also funded by the A.G., provided lawyers for those respondents (generally men) who could not afford lawyers. In April, The Attorney-General cut out virtually all lawyers for applicants. And in July the Attorney-General cut back funding to the Legal Services Society, which was then obliged to cut back services to respondents. Lawyers are theoretically still available through the A.G. for those situations in which the applicant actually has custody of the children and there is violence involved. (What about the situation in which the husband beats his wife and snatches the kids? ) But the appointment of a lawyer now requires prior approval, and workers in the field report that in practice it is very difficult for a woman to get a lawyer. Legal Services Society, because of its own cuts, will not provide a lawyer for women in Family Court either, unless their children are apprehended by MHR, or they are going to jail for failure to pay main= tenance (unlikely'). Women now may have to face a lawyer, hired by their husbands without their own legal help. This means that women will stop using Family Court because it is just too difficult. The result—many women will lose their rights to custody and maintenance by default. According to a report recently sent to the Attorney-General by Catherine Scambler, Director of the Victoria Law Centre, the total maintenance and support being collected per month through Family Court (in Victoria) has declined by about 10% since the end of June. Men are beginning to realize that they will not be forced to pay maintenance orders. The A.G.'s legal aid cuts show a flagrant lack of commitment to ensuring, access to justice. And there is certainly some doubt as to how they will be cost- effective they will be. Court cases take longer without lawyers, and court time is expensive. More than two hundred groups and individuals including the Provincial Council of the B.C. Bar Association (the provincial lawyers' organization), the B.C. Association of Social Workers, Transition Houses, and other women's groups have written to the A.G. demanding the funding be restored The Golden Women's Resource Centre recently circulated a letter to all women's groups in B.C., suggesting that they write to Allan Williams,. Grace McCarthy and their local politicians. Organizing for human rights in B. C. Close to 200 delegates and individuals met in Kelowna on November 19-21 to found the B.C. Human Rights Coalition. Although some issues were discussed, the primary focus of the conference was to develop a structure that brings together on a provincial level all groups that work around the broad area of human rights in British Columbia. The exciting part of this conference was the grass roots nature of the groups represented there. Mentally-handicapped groups, physically-handicapped groups, anti-racist groups, women's groups and many others gathered together to make a commitment to \"the cross-education of groups and individuals on shared human rights related Issues and concerns\". The coalition will be represented by 11 regions. Each region will elect two delegates to a Provincial body which will mee\" four times a year. The Coalition will be open to individuals and organizations, each having equal voice. One of the first goals of the Coalition will be to assist in the implementation of the Recommendations for Change to the Human Rights Code of British Columbia. The lower mainland was represented by about 40 delegates. This region elected John Gates and Sally Cavatini as its regional delegates. The first meeting of the lower mainland region will be on Saturday, January 8, at Britannia Centre. It will be an all-day \"bring your own lunch\" meeting, and everyone who is interested is welcome. Childcare will be available on a pre-registered basis. 4 r Kihte&13 Dec/Jan 83 LABOUR &J*s>w7yte^ Organizing the unemployed On November 6, Vancouver Status of Women was one of more than 150 delegates representing trade unions and community groups who have unanimously supported the formation of an organization for the unemployed. In a day-long workshop at Fishermen's Hall delegates debated the nature of the economic crisis, and its impact on labour. The meeting had been convened by the unemployment committee of the Vancouver and District Labour Council. Delegates agreed it is crucial to organize the unemployed both to defend existing contract conditions and to provide support for presently unemployed workers. Co-ordinated by Kim Zander, and chaired by George Hewison of the Fishermen's Union, the conference was effectively organized to develop a focus and direction from a wide diversity of people. Workshops were held in the morning and afternoon and were aimed at developing strategies for action. Sandra Nicol, from the Organization of Unemployed Workers in Campbell River, was one of the three scheduled guest speakers. She spoke of a town that is torn apart by unemployment, where to be working is becoming unusual. She stressed the importance of unemployed people being able to organize themselves with assistance from the labour movement and community groups. She also spoke about what has already been done with very little resources— soup kitchens, UIC and Welfare advocacy, clothing exchanges, as well as \"well-organized political action\". Delegates at the conference became convinced that the need for such an organization in Vancouver is crucial. A surprise speaker at the Conference was Noel Benson, vice-president of the Grenada Trade Union Council, and President of the General Workers Union. A compelling speaker, Benson said that previous to 1979, unemployment amongst women was 75%, and amongst youth was 70%. Following the overthrow of the Gairy dictatorship, unemployment had been reduced to 18%, with the belief that it will be totally eradicated in five years time. Cap faculty reach settlement In a 2 to 1 vote, the Capilano Faculty Association voted to go out on strike October 28. Negotiations had broken down and management had left the bargaining table. The Faculty Association then held a one-day strike November 9 in order to show intent to strike and force management back to the table. By November 14 a tentative agreement was submitted to both the Executive and Strike Committee one day before the strike was scheduled to begin. The primary issue in dispute was the hiring of three new administrators at a time when faculty are being laid off. The future intent is to increase this number to ten. The agreement settled upon stated that \"the college shall not hire any new Directors for the period ending March 31,1984'.' Other important issues covered in the tentative agreement included: Sexual Harassment: a) a new article providing for a definition, a complaint mechanism, an internal Special Committee and the protection of the grievance procedure. b) an article with an undertaking by the College entitling employees to work in an environment free from sexual harassment. Vocational Instructors: One of the controversial isses of these negotiations was the gradual erosion of the rights of vocational instructors. In a letter of understanding, the Union was able to gain, a) Retention of current rights of vocation funded curriculum in Business Management, Adult Basic Education, Health, Office Administration and Media Resources. , _ by Susan Hoeppner SEWKOffK*181 The Service Office and Retail Workers Union of Canada (SORWUC) has started a poster and leafletting campaign in an attempt to organize non-union employees in the food service industry. The union is concentrating on fast-food outlets and bars, which are the least organized industries in the province, in particular the small units with rapid turnover and highly exploitative conditions. Carpenter's Union supports women entering trades The fortieth annual convention of the B.C. Provincial Council of Carpenters, held in late October, resolved to \"give the fullest possible support to achieving equal rights for women\" and urged all locals to \"initate an active campaign to encourage women entering the trades and to support women already in the trades\". The convention also adopted a resolution calling on other unions and labour councils to provide the same support and encouragement to their sister members as has the Carpenter's Union. Delegates voted to call the International Carpenter's Union to revise its oath of office to eliminate the term \"man\" and replace it with the more all-encompassing term \"trade unionist\". Kate Braid, a fourth-year apprentice and member of Local 452, addressed the convention on the subject of women in the trades. Although there are only 32 tradeswomen in the Carpenter's Union in B.C., it is a situation the union •is attempting to change. This means more women could be dispatched to work with crews that have never worked with women before. Braid attempted to dispell some of the erroneous ideas men have about women who work in the trades. She stressed that most women in non- traditional jobs tend to work very hard, \"because they are constantly having to prove that they can do the job\". Braid referred to the Second World War when women \"virtually ran the heavy industry of this country\". \"At Burrard Shipyards in Vancouver in 1942 there were 1500 women working as welders, burners, riveters and so on,\" she said. After the war they were pushed out of the industry and back into the kitchen. Union members were also told that the so-called 'women's issues' such as child care, harassment on the job, health and safety, \"are not women's issues. They are people's issues.\" In closing her speech, Braid quoted from Peggy Seeger's song Maintenance Engineer: Till the sisters join the struggle Married, single, white or black You're fighting with a blindfold And one arm behind your back. The message must get over You must realize at last That power to the sisters Means power to the class. During the four days the convention worked its way through about 180 resolutions covering a wide range of issues including health and safety, apprenticeship, health and welfare, international affairs, women's rights, disarmament and education. Given that almost 50% of the union's members are currently unemployed, with little relief in sight, the convention was • convened at a most crucial point intthe union's history. (On The Level) Paramedics organize Paramedics at Toronto General Hospital say poor working conditions are jeopardizing health care and cite the example of radiology technologists who work nine days in a row including three 12-hour shifts. The demanding shifts and the paramedics' personal liability for equipment- related patient injuries sparked an organizing drive that began last March. Management obstacles have delayed the certification vote-(the paramedics approached the Ontario Public Service Employee's Union)-but staff is still in full support of the idea and the drive continues. (Toronto Clarion) Deo/Jan 8&n Kinesis.n 5 > ACROSS CANADA Public meeting shows support for Free Standing Clinics More than 1,000 people jammed a recent public meeting held in Toronto to promote support for free-standing abortion clinics. The November 18th meeting was sponsored by the Coalition to Establish Freestanding Clinics, formed last fall to lobby the government on loopholes in Canada's current abortion legislation. A major problem with the legislation as it now stands is the full decision-making powers given provincial health ministers, which essentially allows one man to decide whether or not a medical facility can be legally approved. In preparation for the opening of Canada's first free-standing abortion clinic outside of Quebec, the Coalition is lobbying the Attorney-General not to prosecute the Toronto clinic which intends to operate 'within the letter of the law'. This clinic is prepared to use therapeutic abortion committees, as is the practice in those hospitals legally providing abortions. Dr. Henry Morgentaler, who announced his plan to open clinics across the country when he spoke in Vancouver October 23, believes that no jury in a major urban centre will prosecute a doctor who is providing safe, legal abortions where they are needed. The pressure to open freestanding clinics comes from those people concerned that Canada does not have the facilities to provide prompt and safe abortions. The opening of the clinic, scheduled for November 2, was postponed when the owner of the premises withdrew his agreement to rent out of concern that the clinic would be considered an illegal operation. The Coalition is confident, however, that new premises will be found and the clinic will open in the new year. In B.C., Concerned Citizens for Choice on Abortion,(CCCA) hope such a clinic will be established in B.C., preferably in a major centre. CCCA spokesperson Marva Blackmore emphasized that what is needed here is a doctor willing to risk prosecution in order to set up the clinic, as well as a large, united and vocal pro-choice lobby willing to support the clinic both financially and politically. If you are interested in working on the pro-choice question, the next meeting of the CCCA will be held on December 7 at 7:30 pm at 517 East Broadway. For more information call, 876-9920. Authorities continue to be unresponsive to porn complaints Once again, the Canadian legal system has demonstrated its unwillingness to protect women and children from the violence in pornography. On November 25, 13 B.C. women's groups lodged a complaint to the police against the videotape Filthy Rich, purchased from downtown Vancouver's latest pornography distributor, Tricolor Video. The women claim the tape clearly contravenes the Criminal Code's section 159 on obscenity with its depiction of the rape of a female domestic worker. The tape was referred to New Westminster Crown Counsel Barry Sullivan, who announced December 2 that no charges would be laid against Tricolor. Rather, he claimed, he prefers to investigate the over-all distribution and sale of tapes throughout the province. \"It's not just the tapes, we're looking at the whole distribution,\" he said. Women's groups have been hearing similar responses to complaints since May of this year. So far, no charges have been laid and the porn business is booming. In a statement following Sullivan's announcement, the women's groups said they want charges laid on this and past complaints, they want all the distributors investigated, and they want the stores shut down. The Feminist Coalition Against Pornography in Montreal has sent a message of solidarity with all women across the country fighting pornography to all Canada's major dailies. \"We, the Coalition, are the last to underestimate the importance of freedom of speech. But in order for this right to have any meaning, it must be conditioned by respect for others... by its systematic distortion of female sexuality and insult to our intelligence, pornography denies all women the right to speak. For this reason we wish to extend our solidarity to all women actively opposing the commoditization of our bodies, as if we existed only to be bought, sold and abused by men.\" \"Police have publicly admitted that the videotape sector of the porn industry is both the hardest to control and the most rapidly expanding.\" The letter questions how effective legal, channels will be when the porn industry is dependent on legal loopholes and manipulation of the laws. The letter asks: \"Where was the media when legal means were being used?\" Defense insurance for sexual harrassment Canadian businesses will now be able to take out defence insurance for charges of sexual harassment. In fact, for a higher premium, they can insure against a range of charges under an \"all-discrimination\" policy covering discrimination based on age, race, sex, religion, sexual preference, ancestry or national origin. The coverage is offered by a U.S. company, Complete Equity Markets, Inc. of Illinois. Assistant to the president, Gracine Huff- nagle, said in an interview she doesn't think the policy will legitimize or encourage discrimination. \"Even enlightened companies have to be safe from those on their staff who may discriminate, albeit contrary to company policy,\" she said. Canada prohibits violent video game A video game called Custer's Revenge will be prohibited from entry into Canada by provisions in the customs law, Canada's Revenue Minister Pierre Bussieres announced in the Commons following a question by MP Bud Cullen. The players of Custer's Revenge score points by coupling a video image of General Custer, wearing only boots and a hat, with the image of a captured Indian woman. Manufactured by American Multiple Industries in the U.S., the game has sparked angry complaints from both native and women's groups. * Bussieres did not comment on whether any action would be taken against the games that have already entered the country. PEI women meet on wage discrimination At a recent conference on Women In the Island economy, PEI Department of Labour Analyist Carol Mayne talked about the results of a 1981 Employer's Survey, conducted by the provincial Department of Labour. Approximately 1200 firms participated,representing more than 11,000 employees, 4500 of whom were women. The survey shows that seventeen percent of the males were in managerial positions, while only eight percent of the females were in similar positions. In 1971, 70 percent of those working in clerical occupations were females and the 1981 survey estimates that figure has increased to 72 percent. Mayne said one of the more distrurbing trends in wage rate analysis is the difference between male and female wage rates for what is considered to be similar work. Women will make at least 40 cents less per hour as a sales clerk and take up the bulk of the part-time labour force. (Common Ground) Illegitimate child denied Indian status The six-year-old illegitimate child of Audrey Kathleen Cook of the Six Nations Indian band was denied Indian status recently by an Ontario County Court. Judge Edward Fanjoy said he \"reluctantly\" upheld the federal registrar's decision because, although the concept of illegitimacy no longer applies to non-Indians under provincial law, the Indian Act does distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate children. The Indian Act extends status to illegitimate children of status Indians, but in this case the woman's band challenged the child's status on grounds the father was known and is considered a non-Indian._ (He is a member of the Seneca Nation in New York, and was born outside of Canada.) Ann Beauregard of the Department of Indian Affairs said in an interview that Indian bands are split over whether or not to challenge status in the case of illegitimate children where it is known that the father is not a status Indian. Where the mother marries a non-Indian, both she and her children lose their status. Status Indians are eligible for several government assistance programs and also can claim rights to band property. \\> ftsett ssaiisfg, RAPE LEGISLATION Bodily Harm: defining the crime (This is- the third in a series of articles examining existing rape laws and the pending rape legislation - Bill - C127) - by Joanne Ranson Under the new Sexual Assault laws, it is clear that the seriousness of the -offence committed will be defined differently than it was under the former Criminal Code Offences of Rape and Indecent Assault. Unfortunately, these new definitions may well fall short of the results desired by those women who have urged changes in these laws. In the early days of the debate on legal reform in this area, there was an apparent conflict between *those who wished to retain the offence of Rape and those in favour of new offences of Sexual Assault. In reality, their concerns were similar. They both wanted the law to recognize that forced sexual acts were inherently violent. The conflict was really one of method and strategy. The question to be asked now that the law has been changed is whether or not the existence of three offences of sexual assault differing by the level of seriousness will recognize this concern. Under the previous provisions of the Criminal Code there was a clear distinction between the two offences of Rape and Indecent Assault, as well as the level of seriousness of each. To be convicted of rape a man just have forced a woman (who was not his wife) to vaginal intercourse, and if convicted was liable to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Any other forced sexual act would most likely lead to a charge of Indecent Assault which carried a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment. Certainly there were many problems with this kind of divison because there are many forced sexual acts which may be even more in- -jurious and damaging than forced vaginal intercourse. The new legislation brought by Bill C-127 creates three offences of sexual assault. The first level is sexual assault which is similar in seriousness to the offence of common assault. Although the offence can be charged by way of indictment carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years, it can also be charged as a summary offence (as is common assault) carrying a maximum sentence of a fine of $500 and/or imprisonment-of six months. The second level is sexual assault where either a weapon, or the threat of a weapon, is involved; where bodily harm of the victim results; or where there is more than one person involved in committing the offence. This is an indietible offence carrying a maximum sentence of fourteen years imprisonment. The third level is called aggravated sexual assault and can be used where the victim is wounded, maimed or disfigured or where her life is endangered. This is also an indictible offence and carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. These offences are basically worded in the same language as the three offences of assault (without the 'sexual' element) and the deciding factor in choosing which offence to charge will be the degree of physical injury caused to the victim. Both the legislation and the case law provide some definitions of what kind of physical injury will be required for the more serious offences to be charged. The definition of bodily harm is provided in the legislation (section 245.1 (2)) which states that it is \"any hurt or injury to the complainant that interferes with his or her health or comfort and that is more than merely transient or trifling in nature\". This definition has been codified from an often quoted case called Regina v. Maloney (which was a case of assault occurring during a hockey game). The case law has, decided that wounding means a puncture or break of the .skin,- such as stabbing and that maiming and disfiguring mean injuries which result in some permanent disability, such as scarring, or loss of function of a part of the body. Following are some example of the types of injuries required to result in a conviction for the different levels of assault offences: 1. In the case of Regina v. McNamara the accused was convicted of common assault and sentenced to three months imprisonment where he had assaulted his young step-child by 'vigorously' slapping the child on the buttocks and on the face causing bruising of. both areas. The court rejected the charge of assault causing bodily harm because the child \"presented no cuts or lacerations and X-rays disclosed no broken bones or personal injuries\". 2. In the case of Regina v. Landry the accused was convicted of assault causing bodily harm with a sentence of seven months imprisonment where he had beaten a woman in her home with her child present, for the better part of an afternoon. \"As a result of the assault, Mrs. Durling sustained facial bruising, her right eye was swollen shut, her forehead was black and blue, her nose was plugged up and swollen to twice its normal size, her cheeks were discoloured and her lips were puffed. She suffered dizziness for several days