Posted on 12/10/2004 3:14:08 AM PST by NYer
OTTAWA, December 9, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Canadian Supreme Court opinion giving the proposed Liberal legislation on same-sex 'marriage' the green light has "very weak" protection for freedom of religion, according to Conservative Leader Stephen Harper. Reacting to the Supreme Court decision today, Harper noted that the Court has made assurances for freedom of religion beyond what is covered in the legislation.
The draft legislation states only that "Nothing in this Act affects the freedom of officials of religious groups to refuse to perform marriages that are not in accordance with their religious beliefs." However, many questions regarding religious freedom and the proposed legislation remain unanswered. Even the Supreme Court opinion widened, albeit slightly, the draft legislation's religious freedom protection.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) organization welcomed the affirmation by the Court which indicates that "The protection of freedom of religion afforded by s. 2(a) of the Charter is broad and jealously guarded in our Charter jurisprudence". The CCCB continued, "We are pleased that religious officials are protected 'from being compelled by the state to perform civil or religious same-sex marriages that are contrary to their religious beliefs', and that this judgment confirms that freedom of religion also prevents 'the compulsory use of sacred places for the celebration of such marriages'.
Beyond protection for church ministers, and church buildings, however, questions remain about the fate and lack of protection for civil officials whose faiths or consciences prevent them from solemnizing such "marriages". Marriage commissioners in Saskatchewan and Manitoba have already been ordered to perform such 'marriages' or lose their jobs.
The Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops anticipates that the Ontario government, with the support of the opposition parties, will now enact legislation to give form and substance to the protections indicated by the Supreme Court.
However, that anticipation may lead to disappointment given Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty's well-known views on moral issues which are often diametrically opposed to the teachings of his Church. Responding to the ruling as an indication to go forward with homosexual 'marriage', McGuinty said, "I'm proud of the fact that we've moved forward . . . It's the right thing to do."
See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
MPs Tells Provinces to Stop Forcing Marriage Commissioners to Solemnize Gay Marriages
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2004/nov/04112402.html
Ping!
Sure its the "right" thing to do... but my conscience tells me I cannot go there. I know the difference between right and wrong and destroying the age-old institution of marriage and the family cannot be the will of God!
The very purpose of homosexual marriage is to attack religion. There WILL be prosecutions of ministers and churches that refuse to perform or recognize these.
"...Harper noted that the Court has made assurances for freedom of religion beyond what is covered in the legislation."
Doesn't sound comforting.
Once again, Canada cuts off its [bleep] to spite the United States. Sooner or later even the most deeply entrenched habit of proving you are not in thrall to your Mommy by centering your entire life upon doing the opposite of what Mommy would like, has to face the light of day -- but how long will it take Canada to realize that their behaviour hurts no one but themselves?
Homosexual Agenda Ping.
Canada is certainly swirling down the toilet. I wonder how bad it's going to get, and will people who aren't Koolaid drinkers going to protest, refuse to co-operate with same sex "marriages"; for instance, people who work in the offices which issue marriage licences? Or will those who disagree just grumble to themselves and go along with it?
The advice to women who fear they may be attacked by a rapist is to always fight back - kick, scream, hit, gouge - whatever.
To not fight back against evil is to help it along. One of the necessary accompaniments of same sex "marriage" is that, of course, school cirriciula - text books and lessons - must reflect the "new reality".
Let me and ItsOurTimeNow know if anyone wants on/off this pinglist.
okay a little odd for some people but everyone has the right to be happy right?
Maybe better put - Nothing in this Act affects the freedom of homosexuals to blaze a path of sodomy to eternal damnation.
However it is worded, it is a very shortsighted and lazy opinion because it only addresses the homosexual 'coupling' moment of civil license. What of the ramifications after the coupling? Will religious individuals and organizations be required to recognize the homosexual pairs in civil, cultural, and business activities?
Welcome to FR -enjoy your stay --Read #11
:)
Ten years from now when Canada legalizes pedophilia, I can guarantee you that they will make that exact argument. "Everybody is entitled to be happy -- right?"
Don't laugh. Ten years ago we would have laughed at legalized "marriage" between two men or two women. Ten years before that we would have jeered at no-fault, no-thought divorce.
It's almost legal already. The age of consent is 14.
Right, and there is virtually no punishment if you are caught -- house arrest, conditional discharge, and you're right back teaching school in 3 months. At least here in Ontario that's the way it works.
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