McGill University to address 'blurry' lines of sexual consent
University to host forum on 'culture of consent' on campus
Sexual awareness advocates at McGill University say sexual consent isn’t just about a simple yes or no.
Joey Shea, vice-president of university affairs for the Students' Society of McGill University, says when it comes obtaining consent for sex, it’s important to have an enthusiastic yes.
“When things such as alcohol and drugs are involved, those lines can be blurry. I think that focusing on a concept of an enthusiastic yes is very important,” Shea said.
“We need to make sure that everyone is in their full capacity to say 'yes'.”
Shea is the co-chair of a forum on sexual consent being hosted on campus on Wednesday.
The event is part of the McGill administration’s response to an outcry over sexual assault charges involving three former McGill Redmen football players. The players quit the team after the charges came to light last fall.
Tomorrow's "Forum on Consent" is expected to address the culture of sexual consent on campus, and discuss what type of policies the university needs to implement in order to improve.
The forum is open to the general public, and runs tomorrow evening from 4 - 7 p.m. at the University Centre Ballroom, 3480 McTavish Street.