Article Added On: January 18, 2005 - over 3 years ago
Title: Sikh leader in India denounces same-sex marriage
Author: BRIAN LAGHI
Publication: The Globe and Mail
Publication Date: January 01, 2005 - over 3 years ago
Faith Groups: Sikh
Themes: same sex marriage/blessing

Abstract: Canadian MPs of Sikh descent travelling with Prime Minister Paul Martin in India were on the hot seat after an edict from a Sikh religious leader against same-sex marriage. In a newspaper article in the Tribune yesterday, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, denounced same-sex marriage and urged the Sikh assembly not to allow the holding of such ceremonies in a Sikh place of worship.

NEW DELHI -- Canadian MPs of Sikh descent travelling with Prime Minister Paul Martin in India were on the hot seat after an edict from a Sikh religious leader against same-sex marriage.

In a newspaper article in the Tribune yesterday, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, denounced same-sex marriage and urged the Sikh assembly not to allow the holding of such ceremonies in a Sikh place of worship.

Mr. Joginder Singh Vedanti condemned the proposed move of the Canadian government to introduce a same-sex marriage bill in the House of Commons, saying same-sex marriage is a trend that has no place in the Sikh religion.

The directive said that the rising trend of same-sex marriages in Western countries is a matter of concern. The move of certain countries to give legal status to such marriages has already initiated a worldwide debate. Mr. Joginder Singh Vedanti said the Sikh code of conduct does not allow such marriages.

The newspaper also suggested that the issue of same-sex marriage is behind the cancellation of a visit by Mr. Martin to Amritsar for paying obeisance at the Golden Temple.

However, a senior Liberal official said that is untrue. The changes to the Prime Minister's schedule were caused by his desire to visit tsunami-affected areas of the region, the official said.

There are four Liberals MPs of Sikh descent travelling with Mr. Martin. There are also two Conservative MPs, who are not on the trip. The Liberals are Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh of B.C. and Toronto-area MPs Ruby Dhalla, Navdeep Bains and Gurbax Malhi.

Yesterday, Ms. Dhalla said the issue is a difficult one for some members and that she has not made up her mind about how to vote.

It is an issue that has been bubbling among Sikh MPs for some time, she said.

Mr. Dosanjh is obliged to vote with the cabinet. However, other backbench MPs are allowed to vote their conscience on the issue, and senior officials said there would be no recriminations for those who vote against the bill.

The Supreme Court of Canada gave Ottawa the green light to introduce same-sex legislation in a judgment late last year. Same-sex marriage is legal in most of the country. Most Conservative MPs are expected to vote against the bill. There is no date set for the vote.

Mr. Martin is on a tour of Asia that included stops in Sri Lanka, India and China.

Original article