Thank you, Chair.
In the summer, when I first read through Bill C-51, my eyes passed right over section 176 being repealed. It didn't really cause much of an issue until I started receiving a trickle of correspondence, which has now evolved into an absolute avalanche.
At first, I was prepared to accept the government's argument that the offences in this part of the Criminal Code can most certainly be covered in other sections, but I think I've been absolutely convinced that it needs to be kept in the Criminal Code, simply because it has very significant symbolic value for the people involved. I have a pile of letters in my hand right now that were written to me by children who obviously feel this is very important to them. I'm really heartened by Mr. Fraser's amendment, because I think that as a committee we've listened to the evidence, the testimony, and I believe we've reached a consensus on this.
With respect to Mr. Nicholson's amendment, in looking at his and Mr. Fraser's, I do find Mr. Fraser's language a bit more inclusive, but I just love the fact, colleagues, that both of your amendments were reached in the same spirit. Thank you.