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OTTAWA. October 4, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) – In the past few days, marriage commissioners have begun to surrender their right to solemnize marriages because of court rulings legitimizing same-sex ‘marriage’. Manitoba marriage commissioners were sent a letter by the director of vital statistics for the province telling them they would be expected to ‘marry’ gay and lesbian couples – or resign. As a result, two marriage commissioners in Manitoba have already resigned.

One Conservative MP has had enough.  Maurice Vellacott, the Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Wanuskewin Saskatchewan said, “Canada’s renegade courts are tearing up the constitution as they make decisions which openly violate the constitutionally protected freedom of conscience.”  Vellacott expressed dismay that the Supreme Court is abusing the constitution to the detriment of the conscience rights of Canadians.  “There is absolutely nothing in the Canadian Constitution that permits a ‘read-in’ right to trump explicitly protected conscience rights. As politicians, we need to prevent further damage to our Constitution by Supreme Court judges,” said Vellacott. “Canada joins the rest of the world in considering persecution as a just cause for granting refugee protection, yet today Canada is creating its own refugees of conscience.”  Vellacott concluded, “Judges and politicians need to rediscover Canada’s spirit of tolerance, human dignity and mutual respect, and put an end to this violent treatment of our Constitution.”

Pro-family groups are encouraging Canadians to express their appreciation for Vellacott’s courage in speaking out in defence of religious freedom and marriage.  Contact:  Mr. Stephen Harper (Conservative Party Leader)  [email protected]   And Mr. Vic Toews (Conservative Party Justice Critic)  [email protected]   jhw