Mr. Speaker, I feel compelled to respond to sentiments expressed by at least one member of the Reform Party regarding the denial of asylum for females fearing genital mutilation. I spoke last fall at the inter-parliamentary union on this topic. Countries cannot use culture as an excuse to deny women human rights. Women's rights are human rights.
Canada's commitment to equality for women is rooted in the belief that equal rights for women are an essential and inherent component of progress on overall human rights and democratic development.
Female genital mutilation in Canada can be prosecuted under a number of sections of our Criminal Code. Female genital mutilation is a brutal expression of patriarchal power. It is child torture.
Canada should and does lead the world with our gender persecution guidelines. These, like many other issues, require understanding and compassion, not rhetoric.