Mr. Speaker, I usually like to begin my speeches with the salutation that I am happy to engage in the debate. Unfortunately, I find that the debate on Bill C-33 has caused confusion and indeed hostility and division even within my own community.
The general public still questions the integrity of members of this place. I note the recent publication of a survey by Ekos Research which discovered that only 15 per cent of the general public places trust in elected officials. I have often taken the time to consider why this should be so. It seems to me it is because many believe that politicians once elected do not represent their views. This of course occurs to some extent because of the diversity of our nation. How do we get Ontario members to vote for harmonized consumption taxes in the maritimes when financially it does not seem to be in their own best interests?
This problem becomes even more exasperating when it comes to the question of moral issues. The public generally has two views of Bill C-33. One is that it is a matter of human rights. The second is that it is about morality; those who believe we are ensuring all
citizens can live free from discrimination and those who believe this is a stepping stone to the redefinition of family and marriage.
I am very uncomfortable about being placed in a position of prejudging the morality of the people of Durham. It is not that I shirk from my responsibilities but rather realize that one person's definition of morality can be quite different from another.
On this point I congratulate my leader for allowing a free vote. We should take the time to put more faith in our elected officials, but at the same time these officials will have to prove they are individually up to the challenge.
The United Kingdom has experienced many government members who had contrary viewpoints and yet their governments have not fallen. I suspect the views of their electorate are more effectively heard. A tiered disciplinary system would do much to restore the faith of the public in the House.
I note in passing that statements by the homosexual community that the vote should be a free vote are inconsistent with their own desires for freedom from discrimination and the social abuse of power.
This brings me to the bill. I have studied the amendments as well as having read the jurisprudence. The bill is quite clear in that it deals with hiring practices at the federal level, both within and outside government, as well as the provision of goods and services.
Most of us would agree we should not discriminate regardless of our attitude toward lifestyles. "Blacks and gays to the back of the store" tells us that not all the prehistoric creatures from Alberta are in the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology in Drumheller. I am sure many Albertans feel the same way.
I have conventional values. As a family person I respect the historical role of the family. That means marriage between those of the opposite sex. A study of anthropology can hardly lead one to any other conclusion.
The legal interpretation of one act does not necessarily affect the definitions of another. In any case, most of the problems expressed by those who regard this as an issue of morality should be addresses to the charter of rights and freedoms and the interpretation of section 15 of that act. Marriage and adoption are essentially matters of provincial jurisdiction in any case.
Seven provinces now include a provision in their human rights legislation preventing discrimination based on sexual orientation. Furthermore, the courts have interpreted the CHRA as if the terminology sexual orientation were already included as a prohibited grounds of discrimination. In other words, these amendments simply bring the legislation into conformity with what the courts have already interpreted the act to say.
In spite of my understanding of the issues as well as the desire to truly represent the people of my riding, I undertook a professional poll between May 1-3, 1996. Over 400 calls were made to my riding.
The question was very simple: "As you know, the Minister of Justice has introduced legislation in the House of Commons that would include the addition to the human rights act that people cannot be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation. This would apply to employment in the federal civil service and employment in federally incorporated companies. This act would also apply to the receiving and selling of goods and services. Are you strongly in favour of the legislation, somewhat in favour, somewhat opposed, strongly opposed, or do you have no opinion?"
My riding is both urban and rural. In spite of the fact that my office has been inundated with calls of non-support, the poll reflects an entirely different position: 56 per cent of the people of Durham support this legislation.
A national poll by Angus Reid between April 18-24 called about 561 people in Ontario. The results were identical to my own poll: 56 per cent of the people are in favour of this legislation.
It is clear the majority of those in Durham want me to support this legislation, which I intend to do. A civil society is not measured on how it treats its majority but on how it treats its minorities.
In order to ensure all the elements of our society are treated fairly, it is reasonable to find ways of preventing discrimination of those who, in shear numbers, find themselves to be a minority. This is both fair and reasonable. Even those who take exception to these changes will accept this corollary.
I believe I have fulfilled the obligations given to me by a free vote on this matter. I am pleased to have represented the views of those in Durham. To those who are opposed, this is a great strength of our democratic institutions. People can openly debate issues such as this and arrive at a conclusion.
While this may still be far distant from the concept of consensus, most people in Durham can appreciate that it is not the member of Parliament prejudging their moral conduct but rather the people of Durham who have come to the conclusion that it is fair and reasonable to ensure specific elements in society are free from discrimination.
I am happy to have been an agent for the people of Durham in this matter. I will be voting as they have directed, to support the legislation.