Thursday January 27, 2005
Majority of Ontarians Oppose Same-Sex "Marriage:" Poll
U.S. Focus on the Family head James Dobson urges Canadians to resist marriage change
VICTORIA, January 27, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - An internal poll commissioned by the Conservative Party of Canada has revealed that a 57 percent majority of Ontarians support the traditional definition of marriage. Thirty-eight percent support the Liberal's bid to change the definition of marriage to include same-sex couples.
On a national level, 42 percent of Canadians support retaining the traditional definition of marriage, while 35 percent think the definition should change to include same-sex couples.
"What's clear from our data ... is that most Canadians want to see some middle ground on this issue. That's why I propose we recognize the traditional definition of marriage, but also make accommodation and respect the equality and benefits of those in other relationships," Conservative Party leader Stephen Harper said, as reported by Sun Media.
"What we're trying to do here is do the right thing and I think the right thing is to find a position that respects tradition and rights at the same time and is one that most Canadians could live with."
Meanwhile, James Dobson, chairman of Colorado-based Focus on the Family, encouraged Canadians to stand their ground on traditional marriage.
"It is clear here in the United States that the American people do not want same-sex marriage," Dobson said in a pre-recorded interview with leaders of the Canadian chapter of FOF, as reported by the CP. The broadcast was played on 130 stations across Canada. "I would hope that Canadians who also do not want same-sex marriage would be encouraged by what has happened down here."
"Your prime minister, Paul Martin, has recently done things to subvert the will of the people," Dobson said, commenting on the Prime Minister's edict forbidding Cabinet Ministers the freedom to vote on the legislation according to their conscience.
Vice-president of Focus on the Family Canada, Derek Rogusky, said that Dobson's message should help Canadians mobilize against same-sex "marriage." He also said it was appropriate for an American to get involved in the debate, because "It is not really a Canadian issue. It is an issue happening around the world."
"There (are) a lot of voices out there saying that if you oppose redefining marriage that somehow you are an extremist or a bigot," Rogusky said. "We needed to dispel that and I think hopefully we have done that and that will encourage some people to take some action."
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