Madam Speaker, I have petitions from constituents who express concern regarding the inclusion of sexual orientation as a grounds of discrimination within the Canadian Human Rights Code.
I would like to clearly state for the record that I do not share their point of view but feel that I must present their petition to fulfil my obligation as a member of Parliament.
I have another petition which requests that Parliament amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
I would like to clearly and unequivocally state for the record that I strongly support this petition. The fundamental principle underlying the petition is to ensure that people are treated equally in Canada regardless of their sexual orientation. We should not tolerate discrimination in any form in Canadian society.