OTTAWA, October 8, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Liberal Government has closed the door on the possibility of amending the severely flawed stem cell Bill C-13. The bill which, among other flaws, claims to ban cloning but leaves numerous cloning loopholes was debated late last week and early this week with numerous MPs raising major concerns about the legislation. However, on Friday, House Leader Don Boudria called the question, thus eliminating further debate on proposed critical amendments. Alliance MP Ken Epp said, “I think its deplorable the Liberal Government would take steps to stop the debate on this bill and to force a vote. It precludes any further amendments. This is atrocious here we have matter of life and death in the highest possible terms… and the Liberals are flippant about it.” Moreover, the government denied a request by Liberal MP Paul Szabo to have the bill reprinted to coherently reflect the many alterations to the already complex omnibus bill. Szabo commented saying, “I asked for a reprint of the bill that reflects the numerous and significant changes that have been made. I believe members should have that in order to do a proper job as members of parliament.” Szabo’s request addressed the serious need for Members of Parliament to understand what they would now be voting on since there is considerable confusion about the exact current wording of the Bill C-13.
See the complete Oct. 6 House of Commons debate on C-13 at https://www.lifesitenews.com/features/stemcellembryo/Oct6debate.htm ** This is fascinating reading and reveals the intense efforts and heroic perseverance of the pro-life MPs in the House who are giving exceptional examples of principled political leadership.