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TORONTO, June 23, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) – In a statement released Friday, the United Church of Canada commended the Prime Minister and the Liberal Cabinet on their announcement that the Federal Government will soon draft legislation to legally recognize same-sex civil ‘marriages’. “The responsible leadership and courage that the Chretien government has demonstrated in making this announcement, is most encouraging,” said the head of the church (Moderator), the Right Rev. Dr. Marion Pardy.  In addition to supporting abortion, the United Church has long supported homosexuality. A United Church of Canada release says, “In 2000, the 37th General Council affirmed that human sexual orientations, whether heterosexual or homosexual, are a gift from God and part of the marvelous diversity of creation.” The Council further resolved to advocate for the civil recognition of same-sex partnerships. In a presentation to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in February 2003, the United Church recommended that the federal government adopt a legislative framework that provides the same civil recognition for heterosexual and homosexual couples.  “The federal government, in proposing this approach to same-sex unions, has essentially adopted a position that mirrors that of The United Church of Canada,” explained Choice Okoro, Program Officer for Human Rights. “We rejoice in anticipation of Parliament finally adopting legislation that will recognize the fundamental right of gay and lesbian couples to be legally married.”  The National Post reported last week that Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, Muslim and Hindu leaders have spoken out against recognition of the redefinition of marriage.  See the United Church of Canada press release:  https://www.united-church.ca/news/2003/0620.shtm