Monday June 6, 2005

Liberal Gay Marriage Push Forces Pat O'Brien to Leave Liberal Party to Sit as an Independent

OTTAWA, June 6, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A champion of real marriage in the House of Commons has quit the Liberal Party because of the party's ramming through of bill C-38, which would force homosexual 'marriage' on all provinces.  Pat O'Brien elected to sit as an independent after, he says, the Prime Minister broke his promise to him to have fair hearings on the gay 'marriage' bill.  Unlike the jump to the Liberals of Belinda Stronach which was motivated by a cabinet post, O'Brien's leaving the Liberals is based on principle and done with the knowledge that it may cost him his political career.

Late last week O'Brien said that it became clear that the Liberal government was set to ram through the legislation before the summer recess just over two weeks from now.  Today he told reporters that the Senate has agreed to sit as long as necessary during the summer to pass the bill. 

O'Brien said he still believes there is a "slim" chance of stopping the legislation without bringing down the government on a non-confidence vote. "My objective is not to defeat the government but to slow down and ultimately defeat bill C-38," he said. However, O'Brien would not rule out voting against the government on confidence vote.

jhw

URL: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/jun/05060601.html

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