moved for leave to introduce Bill C-385, an act to amend the Marriage (Prohibited Degrees) Act (marriage between persons of the same sex).
Mr. Speaker, the purpose of this enactment is to confirm that a marriage is not invalid by reason solely of the fact that the parties are of the same gender. While federal statute law is silent on the capacity of gay and lesbian people to enter into marriage with their partners, a Liberal MP has tabled a bill that would deny gay and lesbian couples who wish to marry the right to do so.
I believe our relationships should be celebrated and affirmed as just as loving, just as committed, just as strong as heterosexual relationships, and federal statutes should reflect that equality.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)