Mr. Speaker, I completely agree with my colleague, especially considering that members of the clergy are usually easy to pick out. They are easy targets for people with bad intentions.
By repealing this section, the government is removing from the Criminal Code the only provision that directly protects the right of individuals to practise their religion freely.
In the news we see that these types of attacks are on the rise around the world. It is not a figment of our imagination. The message we hear around the world is that there are more and more attacks, and that we must do more to protect members of the clergy. The message the Liberal government is sending is that it is no longer a criminal offence to attack the clergy.
I would like the government to give us one good, tangible reason for removing this provision.