moved for leave to introduce Bill C-225, an act to amend the Marriage (Prohibited Degrees) Act and the Interpretation Act.
Mr. Speaker, the purpose of the bill can be succinctly stated. It would ensure that the only valid marriage in Canada is between one man and one woman. There are a few cultures and religions in the world which allow multiple wives or husbands. That is not part of Canada's history, tradition or values.
There are one or two countries or states which either permit or are thinking of permitting persons of the same sex to marry. That is not part of Canada's history, tradition or values.
Canada's history, tradition and values are being challenged in our courts. The United States has already passed similar legislation to defend the institution of marriage. It is time for Canada to do the same.
The bill would ensure that marriage remains what Canadians have always known it to be: a legal union between an unmarried female and an unmarried male.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)