Bill Detail
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (theft of property of cultural or religious significance)
This enactment amends the Criminal Code to create a separate offence in respect of the theft and possession of property that is of cultural or religious significance.
This bill proposes to create new criminal offences specifically for the theft and possession of property that holds cultural or religious significance. Currently, such acts are covered under general theft provisions. This legislation would establish separate charges for these specific types of property.
The proposed law would apply to anyone caught stealing or knowingly possessing stolen items that are identified as being of cultural or religious importance. If found guilty of theft of such property, the penalty could be up to 10 years in prison or a summary conviction. Possessing such stolen property, without lawful excuse, could result in up to five years in prison or a summary conviction.