TORONTO, February 2, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Globe and Mail published a lengthy report yesterday on the same-sex marriage bill and responses of Members of Parliament to its poll on the issue. The results indicate passage of the bill is far from assured and reveals that lobbying of individual MPs by pro-marriage Canadians is starting to have significant political effect. The Globe states it contacted all MPs by email twice and then followed up with telephone calls. The question asked was “How do you intend to vote on same-sex marriage?”
“Just 139 members of Parliament” told the Globe that they would vote in favour of the government bill to redefine marriage. 118 MPs indicated they would vote against the bill and most significantly, 49 were undecided or would not state their position.
The Globe survey found that the Liberals were the most split on the issue with 25 members of their caucus opposed to the bill and 30 undecided or reluctant to reveal how they will vote.
Even the Bloc Quebecois revealed some division with so far 2 Bloc MPs telling the Globe that they will oppose the Martin government’s bill.
If all members are in the House when the vote takes place, 154 votes would be required to defeat the legislation.