Sex offenders will not be allowed to change their names in Ontario, solicitor general says

Toronto

Ontario plans to ban registered sex offenders from changing their names. Solicitor General Michael Kerzner says those who are on the provincial sex offender registry will no longer be allowed to legally change their name once new legislation is passed.

Offenders would be required to disclose email, social media accounts under proposed legal changes

Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner speaks at the Toronto Police College on April 25, 2023.
Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, pictured at the Toronto Police College on April 25, 2023, said Friday that those who are on the provincial sex offender registry will no longer be allowed to legally change their name once new legislation is passed. (Tijana Martin/The Canadian Press)

Ontario plans to ban registered sex offenders from changing their names.

Solicitor General Michael Kerzner says those who are on the provincial sex offender registry will no longer be allowed to legally change their name once new legislation is passed.

Kerzner says his government’s planned changes to Christopher’s Law would also require registered sex offenders to disclose their email and social media accounts, and report any changes to their usernames.

Offenders would also face stricter travel rules, including a requirement to report new passports or driver’s licences.

Christopher’s Law is named for 11-year-old Christopher Stephenson, who was murdered by a convicted sex offender on Father’s Day in 1998.

His father, Jim Stephenson, says the changes will help police solve sex crimes and protect vulnerable children.

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