Ex-Speaker enters plea to sexual assault charge
David Laxton, the former Speaker of the Yukon Legislative Assembly, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexual assault.
David Laxton, the former Speaker of the Yukon Legislative Assembly, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexual assault.
The plea was entered by his lawyer in territorial court Wednesday.
Jan. 27 has been set for the former Yukon Party and independent MLA’s next court appearance to fix a date for trial.
Laxton was charged in September 2016 in relation to an alleged incident from the previous February.
Last May, Laxton abruptly stepped down from his position and exited the Yukon Party caucus following an allegation of sexual harassment in the Yukon Government Main Administration Building.
The Yukon Party banned Laxton from seeking a nomination under its banner in last November’s election. The former Porter Creek Centre representative did not run in the election.
Last July, the Yukon Human Rights Commission issued a statement saying the woman at the centre of the allegation and Laxton had reached a “mutually agreeable resolution.”
He was charged in court a little more than a month later.
Comments (13)
Up 4 Down 12
Michael on Jan 25, 2017 at 8:01 am
Yes, kissing someone without their permission is sexual assault. As defined by law, /ANY/ physical contact with another person that has a "sexual nature" and doesn't have their consent is a sexual assault. This can range from full intercourse without consent to groping or kissing without consent. It all meets the definition of sexual assault in the law. Is one more serious than the other? Yes, there are degrees to everything and this is at the lesser end of the spectrum. If convicted, I doubt he will get very much punishment, likely probation. However, trying to say that it really isn't assault is being ignorant of the law and also of the feelings of women and men who are physically interfered with against their wishes.
The person who commented and said 'You don't get kissed on the lips unless you let it happen' is especially ignorant. I've worked as security at a casino and I had a drunk guy push a server up against a wall and kiss her on the lips before we tossed him out... so, yes, it can happen. Try thinking before commenting next time.
Up 21 Down 4
@ north_of_sixty on Jan 24, 2017 at 8:42 am
Your point about trivializing true sexual assault could not be more true. From my understanding it is not the woman bringing these charges, it is the RCMP. Why they would waste their time on something so inconsequential in the big picture is beyond me. A collosal waste of the court's time and our tax dollar. And how to ruin a good man's life. The fact that the Yukon Party says they didn't want him back; the fact that the RCMP are running away with this....was there some Yukon Party political pressure put on the RCMP here maybe? It would not surprise me one bit. Good luck, Dave. I hope you win.
Up 34 Down 5
NotPedanticJustAccurate on Jan 23, 2017 at 2:55 pm
Counter-sue for defamation and wasting court time. Don't know either individual, don't wish to, but I can smell an opportunist from a mile away .
Up 35 Down 5
mary laker on Jan 23, 2017 at 2:06 pm
Completely over the top. It is an embarrassment that this 'sexual assault trial' is progressing. I find the whole thing cringe-worthy. His kissing a woman on the lips as a greeting and a good-bye, but also being charged with sexual assault over it. Smarten up! (him) Grow up! (her or whoever pressed the charges.)
Up 19 Down 0
Stan Walker on Jan 23, 2017 at 12:42 pm
I hope this gets to court and gets settled soon.
Up 41 Down 8
north_of_60 on Jan 22, 2017 at 6:17 pm
Inappropriate display of affection - definitely
Sexual assault - not even remotely true
Calling this incident 'sexual assault' trivializes real sexual assault like rape.
Up 42 Down 13
Just Say'in on Jan 21, 2017 at 2:31 pm
You don't get kissed on the lips unless you let it happen. Turn your head, say stop it. Can't people even remotely look after themselves anymore? What a bunch of Snowflakes.
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Not on the cheek, on the lips more than once on Jan 20, 2017 at 2:34 pm
The kiss wasn't on the cheek, it was on the lips. Who does that in this day and age? Don't grab, grope, or kiss. Maybe he needs to learn a thing or two from the Ghomeshi story...a work place environment dictates behaviour.
Up 48 Down 4
Ytlady on Jan 20, 2017 at 1:30 pm
This is so NOT right. . .no matter how you look at it. . .if she was a so-called 'friend' previously. . .she would know that Dave is a hugger. . .as many people are. . .there is a hidden agenda here. . .ie. Why did it take her so long to report??? I honestly believe someone is out to hurt Dave, & as a result his family, . .to ruin him politically. . .big question is why??? . . .
Up 58 Down 6
I aint saying she's a gold digga on Jan 20, 2017 at 9:17 am
I don't believe that kissing someone on the cheeks is considered sexual harassment ESPECIALLY because they were long time acquaintances and I am female.
I think someone is just trying to make a quick dollar.
Up 59 Down 8
Mark on Jan 19, 2017 at 6:49 pm
If I was him, I'd counter sue her. After all, what is 20 years of friendship?
Up 61 Down 12
drum on Jan 19, 2017 at 6:01 pm
David is a good man and was caught up in some really stupid cross fire - someone making a point for their own satisfaction - what was her intention and what did she have to gain? Does she realize that she has ruined a good mans life, career and reputation - does that give her a feeling of power that maybe she has never felt before??
Up 84 Down 9
June Jackson on Jan 19, 2017 at 3:56 pm
I don't think he is guilty of sexual assault. We desperately need legislation for 'stupid".