Senate passes its version of 2026 NDAA amid government shutdown

Senate passes its version of 2026 NDAA amid government shutdown The legislation passed despite the government shutdown that…
#NewsBeep #News #Topstories #hasc #Headlines #nationaldefenseauthorizationact #ndaa2026 #sasc #Senate #TopStories
https://www.newsbeep.com/177409/

MUSE GOETTL RAISES AWARENESS FOR LYDIA’S LAW

Muse Goettl, a local drag artist known as Mama Muse, wants to bring awareness to Lydia’s Law (Bill 189) which is aimed in addressing delays in the Canadian Justice system. Specifically related to the 1,326 sexual assault (SA) cases that were withdrawn or stayed in 2022.  Goettl found Bill 189 helpful for navigating the justice system.  

“It gives me hope that there’s a chance I could be able to redo the criminal case, but that’s only if the government chooses to enact it [Bill 189],” Goettl said.  

Goettl recounted meeting his abuser in 2018, starting a relationship with him in January 2019, and experienced abuse until 2022. He was able to end the relationship in July 2022 after an arduous process where he also lost friends due to paranoia. After reaching out to an old friend for support, he found the strength to have his abuser arrested and charged in November 2022.   

“The Criminal Court system has been proven to be hostile to survivors, including myself. Good example of this, when I was told that that his charges had stayed permanently, I was told to move on with my life, and if I pursue this further, I’m gonna look vindictive,” Goettl said.   

Catherine Fife, MPP of Waterloo, currently has a petition running using Bill 189 to call for justice to sexual assault survivors. Fife hopes to adopt Recommendations 1 and 3 of the Auditor General’s 2019 Annual Report. These recommendations would make Independent Legal Advice (ILA) more accessible to survivors.   

“Every police service that receives a sexual assault complaint from a person who is 16 years of age or older shall make the person aware of the Independent Legal Advice Program that is delivered through Ontario Victim Services of the Ministry of the Attorney General,” Bill 189 states.   

Goettl’s case was severely delayed due to the backlog caused by COVID-19. Currently he faces challenges with pursuing his case through civil court because of defamation risks. He feels Lydia’s Law gives him protection and a foundation to lean on.   

“The Attorney General shall, (a) review the efficiency of the Victim Quick Response Program as a replacement for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board in supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking; and(b) report the results of the review to the Assembly within one year after section 1 comes into force,” Bill 189 states.  

Goettl’s case has, in his words, been mishandled and has had a huge impact on their mental health. He plans to raise awareness of Lydia’s Law through a charity show, social media and advocating for Lydia’s Law in Kitchener Waterloo to provide survivors with legal options.  

“The plan right now is, I want to bring awareness to this, which is why I want to do this interview. I’m planning a charity show in the new year to raise money for [Sexual Assault Support Centre]. I want to be as loud as I can about this, because it’s not fair that not just me, but thousands of others have had to go through this. They don’t have legal recourse. And the only way is through Lydia’s Law,” Goettl said.  

#AdrianQuijano #auditorsGeneral #bill189 #CatherineFife #criminalCourt #lydiasLaw #mamaMuse #mppOfWaterloo #ontarioVictimServices #SASC #SexualAssault #SexualAssaultSupportCenterSASCOfWaterlooRegion_ #sexualHealth

Pretty interested the Senate Armed Services Committee (#SASC) and the House Armed Services Committee (#HASC) released the text of the FY23 National Defense Authorization Act (#NDAA). Of note, there is a large amount of Cyber direction and requirements contained within this NDAA.

You can find it here - https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/press-releases/sasc-and-hasc-release-text-of-fy23-ndaa-agreement

#Cyber #CyberSecurity #InfoSec #Military #NationalDefense #MilitaryTraining #CyberDefense #NationalSecurity

Out at sea with the South African Shark Conservancy. We capture and tagged this 2m male cow shark.

#SASC #oceanconservation