WATCH ABOVE: Glen Canning, father of Rehtaeh Parsons, shares his reaction to the publication ban on his daughter’s name being lifted.
HALIFAX – Seven months after a controversial publication ban was imposed, Glen Canning is finally able to say his daughters name in public again.
“The way that the directive is issued it will still protect Rehtaeh and her name,” Canning told Global Halifax.
A mandatory publication ban on Rehtaeh Parsons’ identity was put in place in April, after two young men were charged in a child pornography case involving her. It’s a ban her parents opposed from the beginning.
“Her face resonated with people, her name resonated with people, and it just seemed so sad and so wrong and almost take an eraser over that,” Canning said.
A directive was issued Wednesday by the province’s justice minister, clarifying the use of Rehtaeh Parsons‘ name.
“There’s nothing wrong with saying Rehtaeh’s name, part of her legacy is educating our teens and educating our parents and educating our community,” said Lena Metledge Diab.
READ MORE: Rehtaeh Parsons Society to address cyberbullying, youth sexual violence
Diab said she didn’t know how much confusion there was around the publication ban until recently.
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“This is not something that is done lightly by the Attorney General, but in this circumstance, taking into consideration all of the exceptional circumstances here, I felt this was the right thing to do.”
The publication ban is still in place and won’t be lifted, but now, those who violate the ban wont be prosecuted, with one exception.
“The use of Rehteah Parsons name can be used, as long as its not used in a derogatory way,” says Martin Herschorn, Director of Public Prosecutions.
Officials aren’t concerned allowing breaches in Parsons’ case could lead to possible breaches in other publication bans in the future, something her father agrees with.
“It protects victims the way they should be protected, and it also allows people who should have a voice, to have a voice. This case is extremely unique, everyone has agreed: lawyers, crown attorneys, police officers even,” Canning said.
READ MORE: Alleged death threats against Rehtaeh Parsons’ father lead to charges
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