Mr. Speaker, the member opposite gave an impassioned speech, particularly near the end. I would like to get some clarity from him because I think Bill C-23 lacks much clarity and that is what is causing some of the confusion.
When we read the bill the sole criterion for extending to same sex couples access to every benefit that we have previously given to married couples and families is a term referred to as conjugality. There needs to be a requirement of a conjugal relationship.
We have heard some pros and cons. The member is on the government side. Would he say if there were no sexual relations between two people that they would still qualify for the full suite of benefits offered under Bill C-23? Some are arguing that they would or would not. I would suggest that if they would not qualify then the very thing he is concerned about, discrimination, is a key factor in the bill.