Thank you.
I want to say to you that I am impressed with, first of all, your obvious courage, as demonstrated in coming before our committee today—even though it's not televised, it is still an official record—and the compassion you are showing for these good souls back in this country.
One of the things that came up in your presentation was the 201 people you talked about who you thought might want to come specifically to Canada. Overall, what would your estimate be of the numbers of people who, within this foreseeable future, would be interested in trying to get out of this country because of the situation? That's number one, and then I'll throw a few things your way and maybe you can answer them.
You just used the term “heathen” a moment ago, and I was sitting here wrestling with how a society gets to that place. I'm 63 years old now. When I was a boy I can remember gays and lesbians being the butt of jokes and “tee hee” and all of the little subtle things, but it was never at the point, at least in my community, where they were at risk of physical harm. There were other places that might have happened. And we've come a long way in this country.
But going back to Uganda, it seems to me that for a law like this to go forward there is a broader consensus in that community opposing gays and lesbians. I wouldn't mind your comment on how broad you think that may be.
Another question would be if people come here, I presume there are established organizations within Canada in the gay communities that would be of assistance. Perhaps you might be able to enlighten us to some of them that you would foresee playing a role once people got here.
I think I will stop there for now because there are a couple of things, and I'll give you a chance to respond.