The Canadian military is banning its members from wearing their military uniforms and medals in civilian court while defending themselves on criminal charges.
This comes after reports from two months ago that a highly-decorated military commander’s decision to wear his uniform and his medals to his ongoing sexual assault trial was a gesture deemed offensive by military sexual trauma survivors.
Last year, the former head of Canada’s vaccine task force, Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin was charged with one count of sexual assault in connection with an alleged incident in 1988. He has pleaded not guilty.The Canadian military is banning its members from wearing their military uniforms and medals in civilian court while defending themselves on criminal charges.
When Fortin eventually appeared in court, he did so while wearing his uniform and ten medals across his chest.
The General’s choice of attire was described as an act of intimidation by some sexual trauma survivors. According to them, his dress code would have a silencing effect on survivors. They added that the uniform was a powerful symbol of the institution and wearing it could make a complainant feel like they’re facing off in court against the entire Canadian Armed Forces.
In response, the Department of National Defence said in September that the military would review its dress code policy.
The leadership of the Canadian Armed forces has now told all military personnel that, starting December 1, they will be allowed to wear their uniforms to civilian criminal court only if they are testifying on behalf of the forces or the Crown in a military capacity.
Should a member of the military want an exemption to the new rule, they would have to submit a written request and get approval from the chain of command.
