Mr. Speaker, the recent decision by the Supreme Court of Canada that drunkenness is a defence for rape has led to cries from Canadians for a change in these laws. These cries have grown louder in recent weeks as we have seen a number of cases in which individuals have successfully used the drunkenness defence to escape conviction for the horrendous crime of sexual assault.
I have been contacted by a number of my constituents who are upset and disillusioned with the Supreme Court of Canada's decision. I share their concerns and their outrage.
On behalf of my constituents I would like to inform all members of this House that the people of Brampton support the introduction of new legislation which will ensure that individuals who commit a serious crime serve the time, whether or not they have consumed alcohol.
It is up to every member of this House to ensure that the outrage which Canadians feel is promptly translated into new legislation.