Article Added On: October 24, 2006 - over 2 years ago
Title: Opponents, proponents of same-sex marriage converge on Parliament
Author: Meagan Fitzpatrick
Publication: National Post
Publication Date: January 01, 2006 - over 2 years ago
Faith Groups: Mainline Protestant
Themes: same sex marriage/blessing
OTTAWA - Lobby groups on both sides of the same-sex marriage debate are facing off on Parliament Hill today, trying to get the attention of MPs who could soon be voting on whether or not to re-open the controversial issue.
In back-to-back press conferences on Tuesday, the groups made their case for and against re-igniting the divisive subject.
First up was Canadians for Equal Marriage.
Members of that group, which included religious leaders from Jewish, United and Unitarian faith communities, said striking down the same-sex marriage law would violate their right to freedom of religion.
“To reopen the debate and deny the right to equal marriage would be a violation of the religious freedom of faith communities, such as ours, who wish to recognize same-sex marriage as part of their religious practice,” said Rev. David Giuliano, Moderator of The United Church of Canada.
Rabbi Steven Garten of Temple Israel Ottawa said not all religious leaders are of the same mind on the same-sex marriage, made legal in 2005 with the passage of Bill C-38. “We would urge that the bill remain as it is and it not be open to discussion based on differing religious perspectives,” he said.
Citing public opinion polls, the group said a majority of Canadians support same-sex marriage and want to leave the matter alone.
Canadians for Equal Marriage accused its opponent, the Defend Marriage Coalition, of spreading false information and wants to “set the record straight” with MPs.
The Defend Marriage Coalition, which has planned several events on Parliament Hill today, including private meetings with MPs, said it is asking politicians to study the law carefully, not necessarily repeal it.
They say it was rushed into law without proper consultation.
“What we’re asking for today, what we’ve been asking for is for parliamentarians, not to change the law, but to review the law,” said Joseph Ben-Ami, executive director of the Institute for Canadian Values, at a press conference. “We’re looking for an open, honest debate.”
Re-opening the debate is the first step, the group said, and if that happens, it will then present its arguments for scrapping the law.
