moved for leave to introduce Bill C-265, an act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (sexual orientation).
Mr. Speaker, I thank members of the House. The purpose of this bill is to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to include sexual orientation as a prohibited ground of discrimination within federal jurisdiction. It would extend to gay, lesbian and bisexual people in Canada not special rights but equal rights.
In closing, I would note that since 1986 seven ministers of justice as well as the current Prime Minister have all promised this legislative change. The Canadian Human Rights Commission has asked for it. The Senate has passed it and the Ontario Court of Appeal has ordered it. It is time for Parliament to act.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed.)