Thursday June 9, 2005
Canadian Government Admits Religions Not Protected Under Federal Gay ‘Marriage’ Legislation
OTTAWA, June 9, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Federal Justice Minister Irwin Cotler admitted Wednesday that, under the proposed Liberal same-sex “marriage” bill being fast-tracked through parliament, there would be no guarantees of protection for religious organizations that refuse to “marry” homosexuals.
When asked whether the provinces have supremacy over matters of marriage, thus overriding any federal protections in the bill, Cotler replied, “that’s right,” according to a National Post report. A vote on the controversial C-38 could happen as soon as next week, with Senators promising to work into the summer to ensure it becomes law.
Several marriage commissioners in Newfoundland, Manitoba, B.C. and Saskatchewan resigned after an ultimatum ordered them to perform the same-sex ceremonies or step down. Human rights cases against those who oppose same-sex “marriage” publicly, meanwhile – Calgary Bishop Henry is a prime example – are beginning to pile up.
“These are very significant issues,” Conservative justice critic Vic Toews said. “We are opening up a Pandora’s Box, and this minister has steadfastly refused (to concede) that there are any problems. Now, as the evidence is piling up, he's beginning to wake up.”
Toews emphasized that Cotler has to “deal with each of the provinces in terms of enacting corresponding legislation that will protect religious organizations and those who object to same-sex marriage for reasons of conscience.”
Derek Rogusky, senior vice-president for Focus on the Family Canada, said, “Faith-based groups are not all that confident if their rights are going to be left up to the courts.”
See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
B.C. Commissioners Denied Choice - Marry Same-Sex Couples or Quit
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2004/jan/04012304.html
Saskatchewan Commissioners Resigning or Refusing to "Marry" Homosexuals
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/jan/05010503.html
Seven Newfoundland Commissioners Resign Rather than “Marry” Same-Sex Couples
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/feb/05020303.html
Ontario Boasts of Having Performed Over 1000 Gay 'Marriages'
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/jan/05011811.html
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