Presentation of Petitions - March 9th, 2004

Mr. Paul Steckle (Huron—Bruce, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I have two petitions this afternoon which I want to present on behalf of petitioners from my riding.

The first has to do with the issue of marriage. These petitioners believe that marriage is the best foundation for families in the raising of children. They also believe that marriage is between a man and a woman, and because it is being challenged, this honourable House should uphold a motion passed in June of 1999 that called for marriage to continue to be recognized as the union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others.

They therefore pray that Parliament pass legislation to recognize the institution of marriage in federal law as being a union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others.

Mr. Paul Steckle (Huron—Bruce, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the second petition has to do with an issue which concerned a constituent of mine many years ago. This constituent, as we all know, is Steven Truscott. This man was charged, convicted and sentenced to hang by the neck until dead. Unusual circumstances surrounding the police investigation and the consequent conviction of Mr. Truscott remain today unanswered.

Therefore, the petitioners call upon Parliament to ask the current Minister of Justice to undertake a thorough re-examination of the case within a reasonable time period and to ensure that justice be restored to Mr. Truscott.