Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member's position. I do not agree with it, but I appreciate it.
Really what we are trying to do, and I want to help her understand it, is assist the government in showing some leadership on this issue.
The courts themselves have asked for direction from this House on these issues. I am referring to a case in Ontario in which a judge said “The fact that there was a dissenting opinion in this case”, which was a case having to do with marriage, “indicates that there is indeed confusion about whether marriage could be between people who are not of the opposite sex. Again, there is a need for parliament to show leadership and give guidance on the issue”. Those were the words of the judge. The courts are looking to the House to give direction on these issues.
Did the Liberal government intend for spouse to be redefined as the courts have done? We do not know. Is it going to wait for the courts to redefine marriage or will it step up to the leadership role that people expect of it and which the courts are calling for?