Doing Feminism

Of all the weeks I could have been isolated from (most of) the world, of course it had to be last week. The week where the Tories dropped Bill C-484, Kyle Payne was sentenced to six months in jail, and McCain selected his running mate, Sarah Palin. To do all of these issues the minimal coverage they deserve, I’d be sitting at my computer for the rest of the day. So, I’d like to focus on the positive and local story, the fact that the Tories have dropped the Unborn Victims of Crime Act (for now).

When I got the text message telling me the bill was being dropped, I felt a sense of relief and excitement. Not only were women’s reproductive rights a little more safe in Canada for the time being, but I could stop stressing about planning a rally for September 28th against the bill and focus on other pressing concerns. After the initial elatedness settled, naturally I started thinking about the decision.

It should be no surprise that this announcement came once one considers the recent events that have transpired. Prime Minister Stephen Harper is threatening the other parties with an election, and it was just over a week ago that Liberal leader Stephane Dion urged Harper to clarify his stance on abortion.

Personally, I don’t think the bill had any chance of being adopted in the first place, but it was still dangerous in that it gave anti-choicers another platform to bring up their views. Nevertheless, the bill is far from dead. (In case you missed it amongst the abundance of links above, BigCityLib has a list of the MPs who continue to support it.) If Harper gets a majority, don’t be surprised if the bill comes back, despite announcements that the Tories are moving to introduce a bill that resembles Bill C-543 and would give tougher sentences to perpetrators of violence against pregnant women.

Wrapping this up, I feel this is a victory for feminists, pro-choice activists, and, most importantly, women. A small victory, perhaps, but a victory nevertheless. Let’s kill this bill off for good, though. Feminists across Canada need to demonstrate to the general public that Harper is bad for women and we absolutely cannot let him win this election. Feminists in Edmonton and Sherwood Park need to organise a campaign against Edmonton-Sherwood Park MP Ken Epp, as well, effectively demonstrating that women don’t want him or his bill. It’s crucial to keep in mind that the fight isn’t over, but I also feel it’s important to celebrate this small victory. So, feminists and allies, let’s get Harper out of Sussex Drive, but have some fun while we’re at it!