moved for leave to introduce Bill C-277, an Act to amend the Criminal Code (circumcision of female persons).
Madam Speaker, this morning I am tabling my bill on the circumcision of female persons.
It is very important that the government give its support to this bill. We are all well aware that there is a movement in the world concerned with the issue of genital mutilation of females. That is why I encourage the government to support my bill.
We are well aware that this practice is carried on in Canada by immigrants to this country. The Cairo conference raised this important problem, one that is recognized by Egypt's population minister, who would like to see such a bill studied in the people's assembly of Egypt. I therefore hope that here in Canada, where we pride ourselves on our progressive stance in the area of legislation, we will move ahead, and that my bill will be debated and passed in this House.
(The motions are deemed adopted, the bill is read the first time and ordered to be printed.)