moved for leave to introduce Bill C-268, an act to confirm the definition of marriage and to preserve ceremonial rights.
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to introduce this private member's bill, to be known as the definition of marriage act.
As we all know in the House, marriage is a vital and important institution in our society. I am introducing this bill so that the definition of marriage can be determined, as it should be, by allowing duly elected parliamentarians representing their constituents to vote on the matter.
There are strong feelings on both sides of the issue but now is not the time to shirk our responsibilities as parliamentarians. We were elected to make tough choices for the country and Canadians expect that their parliamentarians will face these decisions in a responsible and direct manner.
I look forward to hearing from my fellow members of Parliament and to hearing the genuine views of their constituents on this issue.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)