ONTARIO MOVES TO COMBAT DATE RAPE AT BARS

Legislation Would Permit Women To Bring Drinks Into Washroom,
Preventing Spiking

TORONTO - Women navigating Ontario's bar scene amid the threat of
so-called date rape drugs would be allowed to take drinks to the
bathroom under proposed legislation that drew mixed reaction yesterday
from students and rape counsellors.

"Patrons will never have to leave their drink unattended and risk
someone slipping them drugs or otherwise tainting their beverage,"
Government Services Minister Gerry Phillips said in announcing the
reforms.

While some called the approach a "misguided" one that puts the burden
of preventing sexual assault on women, others applauded the government
for taking on the issue.

"Date rape is something that's on a lot of students' minds in
different institutions across the province and the country," said Nora
Loreto of the Ryerson University Students' Union. "It's good to see
there are steps being taken by the government to try to address the
issue."

Ms. Loreto, who was on hand at the Ryerson pub where the government
made its announcement, called the move a "good first step."

"To be able to bring [your drink] into the washroom will be a really
good way to make sure students always have their drink on hand."

Other female students at the downtown Toronto university weren't as
convinced.

"Where are you going to put it? Think realistically," said Lisa-Marie
Bahrey.

The unfortunate reality of drinking in bars is that women are at risk
of having their drinks spiked, Ms. Bahrey, 23, said.

"In theory, it's a good idea. But I think women should generally rely
on themselves to take care of themselves."

The impetus behind the government reforms came from months of
consultation with "law enforcement and the bar industry," Mr. Phillips
said.

The threat of drinks laced with drugs wasn't even considered when
Ontario's Liquor Licence Act was first introduced in 1944, he added.

"Unfortunately, as society changes so does criminal behaviour."

Statistics detailing the number of women victimized by date rape drugs
such as GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) and Rohypnol are scarce. The drugs
are colourless, odourless and leave the body quickly.

Victims suffer from amnesia, disorientation and a decreased level of
consciousness, making them easy targets for sexual predators.

Ontario's proposed changes are similar to regulations in place in
Alberta and Saskatchewan, where people can take drinks into washrooms.
British Columbia has allowed people to take drinks into the restroom,
specifically to protect against tampering, since 2002.

Vancouver rape crisis worker Daisy Kler called the strategy
"misguided."

"This move is really still holding women responsible for their
attacks," she said. "Now, we not only have to watch what we wear, and
where we go out, and what time it is, but we are having to police our
drinks and take them with us wherever we go in bars."

Sandra Pupatello, Ontario minister responsible for women's issues,
said that allowing women to carry drinks into the washroom is part of
a "multi-pronged strategy."

"Women taking responsibility is part of the equation," Ms. Pupatello
said. "If [women] knew that the law actually prevented you from
minding your own glass of liquor or wine, then the law needs to change."

The proposed legislation, which will be introduced on Thursday, does
not make it mandatory for bars to allow patrons to carry their drinks
into the bathroom.

"That's kind of annoying," said Vanessa Santilli, a first-year Ryerson
student. "If the legislation is passed you should have the right to be
able to decide."

Although Ms. Bahrey knows a woman who was the victim of a date-rape
drugging, she believes efforts are better directed at funding
rape-crisis centres.

"Look at the centres that are available for young women who are
sexually assaulted, maybe put more money into that . . . instead of
allowing women to take their drinks into bathrooms."