JUST Committee Meeting
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MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
Meeting No. 61
Thursday, June 12, 2003
The Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights met at 11:16 a.m. this day, in Room 269, West Block, the Chair, Hon. Andy Scott, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Chuck Cadman, Hon. Hedy Fry, Marlene Jennings, Derek Lee, Paul Harold Macklin, John Maloney, Richard Marceau, John McKay, Pat O'Brien, Joe Peschisolido, Hon. Andy Scott.
Acting Members present: James Rajotte for Garry Breitkreuz, John Harvard for Irwin Cotler, Réal Ménard for Robert Lanctôt, Svend Robinson for Hon. Lorne Nystrom, Stockwell Day for Kevin Sorenson, Larry Spencer for Vic Toews.
Other Member present: Brian Pallister.
In attendance: From the Library of Parliament: Philip Rosen, senior analyst, Robin MacKay, analyst.
Witnesses: From the Barreau du Québec: Carole Brosseau, Lawyer, Research and Legislation Service. From Beyond Borders: Rosalind Prober, Director; Mark Hecht, Senior Legal Counsel. From Project Guardian: Carrie Kohan, Co-Founder. From the Department of the Solicitor General: Dr. Andrew Harris, Senior Research Officer, Corrections Directorate; Dr. James Bonta, Director, Corrections Research.
Pursuant to its Order of Reference of Friday,
April 4, 2003, the Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-23, An Act
respecting the registration of information relating to sex offenders, to amend
the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (See
Minutes of Proceedings, Thursday, May 29, 2003, Meeting No. 50).
The witnesses made a statement and answered questions.
At 11:50 a.m., the sitting was suspended.
At 12:04 p.m., the sitting resumed.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed consideration of its study on marriage and the legal recognition of same-sex unions.
Mr. Robinson moved, -- That this committee support the recent Ontario Court of Appeal decision which redefines the common law definition of marriage as the "voluntary union for life of two persons to the exclusion of all others", while fully respecting freedom of religion as guaranteed under the Charter of Rights.
Debate arose thereon.
At 1:58 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
Patrice Martin
Clerk of the Committee