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Canadian Justice Minister says Gay "Marriage" could be Federal Law by January

Supreme Court and government in obvious rush to fast-track law change

OTTAWA, December 7, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Canadian federal Justice Minister Irwin Cotler said he would introduce same-sex "marriage" legislation "as soon as possible," when parliament resumes in the new year -- anticipating the fast-tracked Supreme Court ruling this Thursday will favour the government proposal.

"It is my intention to put it before the House as soon as we return in January," he said, in comments made to the Toronto Star Tuesday. "I want to move quickly, that's what I'm saying, and January is when I would move, as quickly as possible."

"We believe that the legislation will be sustained in the advisory opinion by the court," Cotler said, pointing to the activist court judgments in six provinces and one territory that have already made same-sex "marriage" legal. "So we are proceeding on that basis."

Cotler said he would emphasize the new bill as a priority for the house when parliament resumes: "I'm interposing it as a priority . . . As soon as we come back, as soon as it's reasonably possible when we return, I would put it in" the legislature, he said.

Parliament and most others had anticipated the decision would come down in March 2005, after the usual six-month period of deliberation the Supreme Court takes on major decisions. This Thursday's date has caught many off guard. The Star said that Cotler originally planned to table the bill next September.

Cotler said Liberal MPs would be allowed a free vote on the issue. However, analysts say that most, if not all members of the Liberal cabinet are expected to be under the usual intense pressure to vote in favour of government legislation, regardless of consciences. Bloc and NDP MPs are also expected to support the move.

Read Toronto Star coverage: http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_T...

Read related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
Canadian Government Indicates Religious Freedom Dependent on Supreme Court
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2004/dec/04120302.html

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