Mr. Speaker, I am sure all members of the House will join with me in opposing attempts by various media organizations to allow public viewing of the Paul Bernardo video tapes.
The public showing of these tapes would not serve the public interest. This is not, as the media claims, a matter of free speech. The Bernardo trial will be open to the media and to the public.
Attempts by the media to gain access to the video tapes are simply an effort to boost ratings at the expense of the victims' families. The families of the victims have suffered enough without having these videos broadcast. This is a prime example of tabloid journalism at its worst.
I hope the courts turn down the media's request. I call on the media to show some restraint and consideration for the feelings of the French and Mahaffey families. They have suffered enough.