Mr. Speaker, I want to ask a specific question and mention one thing.
This is, after all, a justice omnibus bill, and so let us get that first part out of the way.
I think everyone on this side of the House will support the sexual assault provisions that are being proposed by the government. I think those are quite good.
I want to ask about clause 14. The government is proposing to get rid of section 176 of the Criminal Code, which is a general prohibition against interrupting religious services or interfering with members of the clergy.
I think that is very expansive as a definition. I see it affecting not just clergy in its 150-year-old definition, but members of all faiths with religious leaders who can undertake a rite such as a funeral. This section is not obsolete. It is actually being used right now in a criminal case in Ottawa. The charges were laid June 9, 2017.
I want to better understand why the government is proposing to go ahead with this. It is a portion of the Criminal Code that is actually quite useful and gives extra protection to members of all faiths.