TORONTO, February 2, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The results of a National Post/Global National poll revealed today that fully 66 percent of Canadians are opposed to the legalization of same-sex “marriage,” while 68 percent responded favourably to the suggestion of a national plebiscite on the issue.
The findings, reported today on the front page of the National Post, reveal an overwhelming majority of Canadians would oppose marriage redefinition, if the decision were left to them.
In addition, a clear majority of Canadians perceive the comments of politicians, such as those of Hon. Pierre Pettigrew criticizing the Catholic Church for wanting to have a say in the same-sex “marriage” debate, as a threat to free speech.
“By a very strong majority, Canadians perceive as a threat to free speech when public figures call upon religious organizations to remain silent on moral issues such as same-sex marriage,” according to the Compas report, the company that conducted the poll.
“Only one anti-gay marriage argument resonated with the public, albeit barely—the idea that gay marriage is an insult to religion,” the Compas report continued.
“On the main issues, Canadians have remained virtually unchanged in their views since late 2003. Most still do not embrace gay marriage.”
The National Post also reported that federal Justice Minister Irwin Cotler does not perceive a need to hold a national referendum on the issue.
With files from Compas.
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