Liberal Caucus Splits as Martin Still Reneges on Previous Free Vote Promise The National Post reported today Liberal MP Tom Wappel accused Mr. Martin of misleading Liberals on his previous promises to allow free votes on moral issues. The Post reports sources saying Wappel, a staunch opponent of gay marriage, reminded the Prime Minister that he campaigned during the leadership contest on giving all MPs free votes on moral issues. Mr. Wappel also reminded Mr. Martin that he said the same thing during his many speeches on reforming the democratic deficit and questioned why he is now reneging on that commitment. Caucus chairman Andy Savoy had to tell the two men to “take it outside.” “It was very tense,” said one MP. “It was quite personal against the Prime Minister,” said another. (Canada.com)
Liberals Confident Same-Sex Bill to Pass Prime Minister Paul Martin’s government is even more confident that same-sex marriage legislation will pass after a handful of Liberal and Conservative MPs moved from the undecided to supporting camp this week. (The Star)
Leader of the Government in the House of Commons Tony Valeri said on CBC Newsworld Thursday that he has no plans to impose any restrictions on debate in the House on the marriage redefinition bill – for what it’s worth. Cotler has already said he wants the bill to have passed through Parliament before the summer recess. NDP MP Libby Davies emphasized that the Justice Committee did a thorough set of hearings on same-sex “marriage” a couple of years ago, indicating that it would probably be the NDP’s position that the committee doesn’t need to be bringing in lots of witnesses or spending much time with the bill at the committee stage – i.e. let’s push it through sooner than later! A warning from B.C.: Polygamy law is weak (Canada.com)