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OTTAWA, July 20, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) reacted to the enactment of the Canadian law allowing homosexual ‘marriage’ saying “Catholics are to continue to oppose it, and to ensure that all provincial and territorial regulations on the solemnization of marriages provide full protection for freedom of conscience and religion, as guaranteed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.”

The CCCB praised Canadians of all faiths and of none who defended the “universal definition of marriage”. However it had other words for Catholic politicians who supported the legislation.

“Unfortunately, there are also some Catholics who have promoted the redefinition of marriage, including politicians who have voted in its favour,” said the CCCB. “In this regard, they are in dissent from the teaching of the Church as enunciated by the Holy Father and the Bishops. This is a serious and problematic matter.”

The bishops note that the debate over the redefinition of marriage “is far from over” and “will be a significant issue in the upcoming federal election.”

The CCCB revealed that the Roman and Eastern Catholic Bishops of Canada will be studying the immediate ramifications of new law. “Pastors and all the faithful can be assured there will be further reflections by this Conference and from individual Bishops to assist in the ongoing defence of marriage and family life.”

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