MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 62

Thursday, June 12, 2003

The Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights met at 3:42 p.m. this day, in Room 701, La Promenade Building, the Chair, Hon. Andy Scott, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Chuck Cadman, Hon. Hedy Fry, Marlene Jennings, John Maloney, Richard Marceau, John McKay, Pat O'Brien, Joe Peschisolido, Hon. Andy Scott, Kevin Sorenson.

Acting Members present: Stockwell Day for Garry Breitkreuz, John Harvard for Irwin Cotler, Réal Ménard for Robert Lanctôt, Sue Barnes for Derek Lee, Anita Neville for Paul Harold Macklin, Svend Robinson for Hon. Lorne Nystrom, Grant McNally for Vic Toews.

In attendance: From the Library of Parliament: Philip Rosen, senior analyst, Kristen Douglas, analyst.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumes its study on marriage and the legal recognition of same-sex unions.

Debate resumed on Svend Robinson’s motion (See Minutes of Proceedings, Thursday, June 12, 2003, Meeting No. 61).

After debate, the question was put on the motion and the result of the vote was announced:

Yeas:                                                                                       Nays:

Sue Barnes                                                                               Chuck Cadman

The Hon. Hedy Fry                                                                  Stockwell Day

John Harvard                                                                            John Maloney

Marlene Jennings                                                                      John McKay

Richard Marceau                                                                      John McNally

Réal Ménard                                                                            Pat O’Brien

Anita Neville                                                                             Joe Peschisolido

Svend Robinson                                                                       Kevin Sorenson

(8)                                                                                            (8)

Whereupon, the Chair voted in the affirmative for the following reasons:

STATEMENT BY THE CHAIR

“I've paid a great deal of attention over the course of these hearings in every part of Canada. I had a forum in my own constituency, which had 675 people there, and I listened. In 1999, I voted to keep the definition of “marriage” as it had existed. I have listened. I've listened with great respect to my colleagues, with a variety of views. I also have been informed by a number of judgments of the courts. I don't feel compelled to vote in any particular way because of what those judgments have said, but I also feel that I feel informed by them. It's a part of this process, in my opinion. Therefore, I will be voting in support of the motion of Mr. Robinson.”

Accordingly, the motion was agreed to.

Pat O’Brien moved -- That the Government of Canada appeal both the B.C. Court and the Ontario Court decisions (re. same-sex marriage) to the Supreme Court.

The Chair having ruled part of the motion out of order, debate arose on the new motion: -- That the Government of Canada appeal the B.C. Court decision (re. same-sex marriage) to the Supreme Court.

At 5:19 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 5:54 p.m., the sitting resumed.

Debate resumed on Pat O’Brien’s motion.

At 6:12 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Patrice Martin

Clerk of the Committee