Thank you, Madam Chair. I, too, would like to offer a few brief comments. I am in support of Bill 17, Modernization of Benefits and Obligations Act, that is before us today. I just wanted to start off by saying that I really do respect and appreciate the views that other Members have on this. Sometimes we are always not going to agree on things. We all have different religious and spiritual beliefs. Those are to be respected. It is a really touchy issue for many people. But for me, when I got elected in 1997, one of the first tests as a new city councillor was to add a proclamation for Gay Pride Day at City Hall. I thought about this for some time; how I was going to vote, whether I was going to vote in favour of Gay Pride Day being proclaimed in the City of Yellowknife. I searched inside and came to a realization that who am I to stand in the way of other people having the dignity and aspirations that they have. I didn't want to stand in people's way of being happy. This life that we have here; all of us are put on this earth. It is a tough enough life to live, as it is, for some people. I think it goes back to the basic human rights, like I said: respect, dignity and aspirations having to be adhered to and people allowed to live the lives that they want to live.
I am not trying to impose my views on anybody, but while I have the floor, I will mention this. I know people have strong beliefs on a man and woman, but if you look at everybody as a person; people are put on the earth with the ability to love and to be in relationships. Again, who am I to stand in the way of any person wanting to love another person, to be in a relationship with another person? I can't say unequivocally that I am a better father or provider than any other person is. Again, Madam Chair, it goes back to human rights and the dignity and aspirations of people.
I am going to support the bill that is before us. I do respect and appreciate other Members and their spiritual and religious beliefs. That is the way I view this. I am going to support it, and we will move forward from there. Thank you, Madam Chair.