The Capital Regional District is considering a bylaw that will regulate indoor tanning facilities throughout the region. This could affect a large number of people as there are thirteen municipalities in the region as well as the Islands Trust. (The thirteen municipalities being Victoria, Saanich, Esquimalt, Oak Bay, Sidney, North Saanich, Central Saanich, Highlands, View Royal, Colwood, Langford, Metchosin and Sooke.)
Section 6 of the bylaw will prohibit the operator of a tanning facility from allowing anyone under the age of eighteen to use tanning equipment. This particular section has definitely received the most media attention and public debate.
After weighing both sides of the issue, ScientificVictoria.Org is supporting this bylaw. We plan to speak at the January 12th CRD board meeting in favour of its passage. Here is a sneak peak of our testimony:
“In reviewing this bylaw, it is important to emphasize what it will and will not accomplish. The aspect that deals with minors has attracted the most attention. However, in both science and law it is recognized that minors often have a diminished ability to give voluntary, informed consent. Therefore it is appropriate for governments at all levels to create barriers that will reduce the likelihood of children and young adults engaging in high risk activities.“
We’ll post the full submission after January 12th.
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