Saskatchewan bans certain sexual offenders from changing their names

Saskatchewan has become the first province to ban certain sexual offenders from changing their names.

People convicted of an offence that requires registration in the National Sex Offender Registry will no longer be allowed to change their names.

“These changes are about helping to protect the most vulnerable in our society,” Justice Minister Don Morgan said Tuesday in a statement.

“We don’t believe sexual offenders should be able to change their name to avoid public disclosure and scrutiny.”

While most of the offences are against children, some, such as sexual assault and incest, can be committed against both children and adults.