Mr. Speaker, I do not think there is a contradiction in what the member has said and what I have said. I believe that indeed marriage as we have known it will continue to exist for an overwhelming majority of the population.
The question is, as legislators we have a duty on the civil side of this, the meaning of the word marriage in terms of its contractual arrangements. In that sense, the charter is quite clear and tribunals whose job it is to interpret the laws we set, such as the charter, have made it quite clear that we cannot discriminate unless we wish to invoke the notwithstanding clause, which is another debate that we probably will have at some point.
In terms of having a pluralistic society, I see no contradiction in the majority of people wishing to engage in remaining in a heterosexual marriage and some living in a homosexual marriage. I think the laws of Canada can accommodate that, as well as protect the ability of the church, of the religious organizations, to discriminate. I think that we as legislators can accomplish that so that this country can carry on being the great institution that it is.