Mr. Speaker, the petitioners who have signed the second petition are concerned about Bill C-23. I am, as well. They suggest that it is an inappropriate intrusion and discriminatory for the federal government to extend benefits based on a person's private sexual activity while excluding other types of dependency relationships.
The petitioners ask that parliament withdraw Bill C-23, affirm the opposite sex definition of marriage in the legislation and ensure that marriage is recognized as a unique institution.
Given the government's record on that issue, a fat lot of good a petition would do.
The last petition I wish to present is related, as well, to Bill C-23. It states that the government has invoked time allocation to cut off debate on Bill C-23 and that the Prime Minister has indicated that a free vote would not be allowed. I see that it was.
The petitioners ask parliament to withdraw Bill C-23, affirming the opposite sex definition of marriage in legislation and ensuring that marriage is recognized as a unique institution.
Given the government's record, once again, a fat lot of good a petition would do.