I do not agree.
It is important for hon. members to realize the reason they are seeking to delay this is so they can spread false stories about what the legislation will do in order to generate opposition to the bill. This bill is clear cut and straightforward and it ought to be approved by the House without delay.
Who are the groups the hon. member for Calgary Southwest refers to in his statement? I do not know. He says these groups are mentioned in the human rights act. They are not mentioned. I have indicated the words that are used. The words that are used include all Canadians. No group is singled out for special protection in the sections of the act we are dealing with in this amendment today.
I have received a lot of letters on this issue, not so much from my own constituents but groups in British Columbia and Alberta in particular have written to me quoting chapter and verse from the book of Leviticus and various writings of the apostle Paul believe in his letter to the Romans I believe and a couple of others. I am concerned that these people would quote this kind of biblical
reference to me and suggest that because of those particular verses in the Bible I ought to vote against this bill.
I have a message for them and for hon. members opposite which I ask them to consider. I know they regard the importance of biblical teaching very highly. I will read from the gospel of St. Matthew:
Do not judge and you will not be judged. For as you judge others, so you will yourselves be judged, and whatever measure you deal out to others will be dealt to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye, with never a thought for the plank in your own. How can you say to your brother: "Let me take the speck out of your eye," when all the time there is a plank in your own? You hypocrite! First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's.
Another is: "Always treat others as you would like them to treat you: that is the law and the prophets".
I can only urge those words on all hon. members in this House as we approach a vote on this very important bill. In my view those words from the Sermon on the Mount summarize what the government is attempting to do by this bill to bring fairness and justice to our society.