Canada passes law to prosecute crimes committed on the moon | Globalism

The amendment of the law was approved by 181 votes to 144 against. It is part of the 443-page Budget Implementation Draft that was submitted to Parliament this week.

The country has already expanded its jurisdiction over criminal acts committed by Canadian astronauts while traveling in space to the International Space Station (ISS).

Under this legislation, crimes committed in space receive the same treatment as those committed on Canadian soil.

The update comes as the number of space flights increases and ahead of the first manned mission to the Moon in more than 50 years, scheduled for launch in May 2024, with a Canadian astronaut aboard the Artemis II spacecraft.

Under subtitle Lunar Gateway, the Penal Code amendment reads: “Any member of the Canadian crew who, during a space flight, commits an act or omission outside Canadacommitted in Canada would constitute a punishable offence, He is deemed to have committed this act or omission in Canada“.

The document says this includes crimes en route or at the Lunar Gateway space station preparing to orbit the moon, as well as on the lunar surface.

Foreign astronauts who “threaten the life or safety of a Canadian crew member” on a space mission with the support of Canada It can also be tried, according to the bill.

The Canadian Space Agency is participating in the Moon Gate project, led by NASA, along with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

From 2026, this station will serve as a springboard for robotic and human exploration of the lunar surface, as well as for trips to Mars.