A new Conservative bill is sparking debate by proposing to strip judges of the ability to consider a non-citizen’s immigration status during sentencing.
The Bill’s Goal: The proposal aims to amend the Criminal Code to ensure “blind justice,” arguing that all individuals convicted of a crime should be treated equally, regardless of their citizenship.
Supporters point to cases where non-citizens received lighter sentences (e.g., for sexual assault or attempting to buy sex from a minor) to avoid deportation, calling this a “two-tier” system.
The Counter-Argument: Critics argue this removes necessary judicial discretion. They warn it could lead to disproportionately harsh punishments, as judges would be blocked from considering the unique vulnerability and severe consequences (like deportation) that a conviction holds for a non-citizen.
The core of the debate is a conflict between rigid equality and flexible, context-based justice.
