Posted on 05/25/2005 10:58:36 PM PDT by Heartofsong83
Our Opinion: Politicians watch as heat rises
North Bay Nugget Local News - Wednesday, May 25, 2005 @ 08:00
Judging by a rally at the Ontario legislature Monday, the religious community is starting to get organized in its opposition to same-sex marriage.
Even though the number may appear small — 3,000 turned up for the event — it may be just the beginning of a larger, national campaign that may turn heads in Ottawa.
One merely has to look south to the U.S. presidential election that saw the religious right become a political force that helped elect a president who opposes same-sex marriage and abortion.
There seems to be a resurgence in the religious community and a willingness to work together on this debate.
If Toronto’s rally is an indication, opposition forces will continue to grow.
Canada, or least the perception exists, is a moderate country with citizens generally understanding the separation of church and state.
But that doesn’t prevent people who are vehemently opposed to changing the definition of marriage to create a political lobby.
With polls tight across the country and plenty of political ammunition being fired, this alliance could prove to be a force to be reckoned with during the next election.
Rallies at political campaign stops will keep the debate at the forefront of the campaign trail, along with the sponsorship scandal.
Same-sex marriage legislation could prove to be a tough one to fight when ministers, pastors, priests, rabbis and other religious leaders give the message to members of their congregations across the country.
The religious right has enjoyed major growth in the U.S. and is regularly courted by Republicans.
It has become a powerful lobby that pretty much re-elected George W. Bush — and he knows it.
Monday’s rally may be the beginning of a similar movement in Canada — something Ottawa politicians will watch closely. Until now, there has been little organization among religious groups who oppose Bill C-38.
Representatives from Christian, Muslim and Jewish faiths spoke at the rally Monday.
The federal Liberals drafted the legislation after it was upheld as constitutional by the Supreme Court of Canada.
Prime Minister Paul Martin supports the law and calls it a “human rights” issue.
However, religious groups and others have challenged it as changing the definition of traditional marriage, and prefer legal unions for gays and lesbians instead.
Martin, with a minority government teetering because of the sponsorship scandal, will have to defend the new law while at the same time distancing his government from the Gomery Inquiry in an election expected to be called for the fall.
All major parties will watch closely to see if the rallies and the outcry continues to get louder and better organized.
Thank God. Welcome to the fight Canada.
Oh, you have NO idea of the fight we face up here. Thank you for your support, and may G_d bless you nad help you prsper.
Canada needs a "Rush Limbaugh".
Can we clone him? LOL
You are very welcome. May God help you in your struggle. Canada will be in my prayers.
Many of our church friends are Canadian (some living stateside), and they are grieved by your once-great country's slide into decadence.
The objection to homosexual marriage and civil unions isn't just coming from the religious right. Most states that have voted on this issue have votes in favor of constitutional amendments in the 70% range. Are 70% of the voters religious conservatives? I really doubt it. Are they on the extreme right of the political spectrum? Nope. Those that oppose homosexual marriage and civil unions are mainstream.
Thank you both for your words of support an prayers. G_d knows, we need folks like you to help the few sane people remaining here....
Once again, thank you.
It's nice to see the moderates in Canada start to assert common sense rights. I hope it isn't too late.
The so-called people whi oppose SSM will help return the libs in power.
We had Lowell Green, for a while.
Last poll suggested 65% of Canadians (and large majorities in every province expect British Columbia and Quebec) opposed gay marriage...
We still do, in the Ottawa area...(possibly why that is the most Conservative-friendly area east of Winnipeg, most of the seats there are Conservative or very well may turn Conservative in the next election)
That 'few sane people' is well in the millions...
It's going to take every single one of them turning out in order to change things. This is the best news I have heard out of Canada. Once they figure out that if they unite on one issue, they can accomplish great things on others.
Yup. Just wait until a gay activist hears a sermon from a preacher that tells what God thinks of homosexuality. Once it gets to the Supreme Court, all funding will be revoked from any Church that preaches against homosexuality.
Yes, we have thought police. The Ayn Rand society's "in Defense of Israel" was delayed at the Canadian border, as it was suspected of inciting hate.
I just noticed your post.
ANY church that receives government funding is NOT a church, it is an organ of the government!
Taxes are an imposition on the citizens/subjects/serfs of any state that chooses to IMPOSE such. Religious holdings are (or should be) INVIOLATE of such secular trivia.
Before you pose such an inanity, yes even the church of Satan. Those who choose to die for wrongness deserve the same consideration simply because without WRONG, RIGHT doesn't exist!
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