Posted on 01/21/2005 10:24:10 PM PST by Catholic54321
Conservative Leader Stephen Harper warned Thursday that if same-sex legislation becomes law, the Liberals won't be able to prevent fundamentalist groups from requesting extreme types of marriages such as polygamy.
But Justice Minister Irwin Cotler quickly moved to quash those fears. "We don't see any connection, I repeat, any connection between the issue of polygamy and the issue of same-sex marriage," Mr. Cotler said Thursday. "Any attempt to make that kind of connection is simply a way of confusing distinguishable issues in every regard."
Mr. Harper told reporters in Quebec on Thursday that if the Liberals don't enshrine the traditional definition of marriage in law, "radical" groups may begin launching constitutional battles arguing that it is legal for a man to marry more than one woman, as occurs in a polygamous marriage.
"I think that's where we should draw the line," he said after a speech in Montreal where he endorsed tax incentives for members of agricultural co-operatives.
The Tory Leader made the comments a day after the Liberals decided to launch a study into the social and legal impacts of polygamy. The study is being conducted by the federal agency, Status of Women Canada.
The agency wants to ensure that the government is prepared for the possibility that groups may use same-sex legislation to challenge the legality of polygamy.
Some concluded the federal government was on a pre-emptive strike against a campaign to legalize polygamy.
Mr. Harper, who was wrapping up a three-day visit to Quebec, said he fears the Liberals may end up being open to eventually legalizing polygamy.
"As soon as they've got to attack one traditional idea, the next one is down the road.
"I don't want to get into the polygamy debate, but I fear if we do this, the next thing on the Liberal agenda will be polygamy and who knows what else."
Mr. Harper's comments come as the gay-marriage issue heats up in Canada ahead of proposed Liberal legislation, expected to be tabled during the session of Parliament that starts Jan. 31.
Opponents and proponents are lining up and planning to lobby MPs to vote for their point of view on the issue. This week, the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic diocese of Toronto urged the Liberals to use the notwithstanding clause to prevent gay marriage in Canada for at least five years to provide more opportunity for discussion of the issue.
The clause is a mechanism that the provincial and federal governments can use to override the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which has been the basis of decisions in provincial courts upholding the right of gay couples to marry.
But the federal Justice Minister, Mr. Cotler, rejected that demand on Wednesday.
The Tories also launched an anti-same sex advertising campaign this week meant for ethnic media and community newspapers, promoting Mr. Harper as a protector of traditional marriage.
With divisions even in Mr. Martin's own caucus, Mr. Harper hopes to garner the support of voters who currently vote Liberal.
During a visit to India this week, Mr. Martin was forced to defend his government's proposed bill after an influential Sikh religious leader denounced gay marriage in a letter published in a New Delhi newspaper.
Two of Mr. Martin's Liberal MP's admitted in India where they are travelling with the Prime Minister that they would not be voting in favour of the bill.
With reports from Canadian Press
obviously the honorable minister was wrong.
As I check my history books, poligamy never stopped in the American West. In addition, I understand that some poligamists did find their way to western Canada.
In addition, there are obviously poligamists who are part of the growing Islamic population of Canada (and the USA).
It's only a short matter of time before these "oppressed peoples" are allowed to "freely express their love for each other". After all, they are "born this way."
quote from article: ""I think that's where we should draw the line," he said after a speech in Montreal where he endorsed tax incentives for members of agricultural co-operatives""
If they allow same sex marriages, you technically can't draw the line there. The others will push and push because they will say, Oh same sex is ok, so why not polygamy, at least they're are men-woman getting married.
I wish the gaybos of the world would just disapear "Puff the majic dragon" Yea, the dragon will need a puff after this is all over.
"I don't want to get into the polygamy debate, but I fear if we do this, the next thing on the Liberal agenda will be polygamy and who knows what else."
I think we all have a pretty good idea "what else". And to those who say this will never happen in America better go and reread your history books. Every well-meaning peoples have said the same thing.
YUP, i totally agree with you! We will stand up to these people and eventually put them in their place.
I wonder when people will be able to marry animals? It's fast approaching here in Canada...
Effin sick government we have. Go Harper!
Would the liberals allow two lesbian sisters to get married?
Sure -- why wouldn't they?
In fact, we may be forced to accept such things in our own lifetimes.
And so two brothers? a brother and sister? a father and daughter? a mother and son?
Man and boy? A lot of people from the blue states will be moving to canukland.
Yep, and all-together too! Because they wuv each other.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.