The marriage debate is far from over (Canadian fight goes on despite CINO sellouts!)

National Post - Canada ^ | June 8, 2005 | David Krayden

[GMMAC]

The marriage debate is far from over
Counterpoint: by David Krayden

National Post
June 8, 2005

So the National Post editorial board thinks the marriage debate is over, and that we pesky social conservatives should admit defeat. Let things lie, we were told in a June 3 editorial, so the country can move on to bigger issues. Well, marriage happens to be a blue whale on the national agenda -- at least for those of us who know that marriage is not a right but a privilege, and that same-sex marriage is an oxymoron.

Besides, why quit now when we are so close to defeating Bill C-38? Pro-marriage warrior Pat O'Brien can no longer sit as a Liberal MP because Paul Martin broke his promise that he wouldn't ram through the legislation without "full, fair and meaningful hearings."

O'Brien is just one of many who have come to realize that the Liberal party no longer represents ordinary Canadians who think marriage means something deeper than last week's court decision. The thought that many more Liberal MPs will catch this wave is enough, one hopes, to make Martin and his advisors quake in their Armani suits.

Is it really time to move on? I expected The Globe and Mail to conclude this, but not the National Post.

Senator Anne Cools recently told me Martin should be given credit for inspiring the grassroots of Canadian politics. "How?" I asked. "Nobody has energized so many Canadians as he has in opposition to same-sex marriage," she replied. That energy has spread through the entire faith community: Martin's anti-marriage bill has produced a multicultural and interfaith opposition that can take down his government through a historic political realignment. The ethnic vote in Toronto and Vancouver is volatile, and can no longer be taken for granted. The more Sikhs, Muslims and Hindus find out about Bill C-38, the less they like Martin. That's why Martin is trying to speed C-38 through the House.

Stephen Harper recently linked the corruption of the Gomery Inquiry with Bill C-38. The Conservative leader told 20,000 protestors standing in front of the Parliament buildings that "corruption is not a Canadian value; marriage is a Canadian value."

That's why we can't drop the ball now. That's why we must win this one.

© National Post 2005

The defeatist, CINO sellout, Post Editorial being countered above:
(sorry, would have simply supplied a link but url is no longer available)

The marriage debate has had its day

National Post
Friday, June 03, 2005

Amid reports that the Liberals' same-sex marriage bill will be brought before the House of Commons this month, the Conservatives are crying foul. "Obviously, the government is willing to ram this through as quickly as possible," Tory MP and Justice critic Vic Toews complained on Wednesday.

Mr. Toews concerns have been echoed by other opponents of gay marriage. "It became obvious today that there is an agenda to fast-track this," Liberal MP Pat O'Brien said Wednesday. "There's a whole lot of us that don't support fast-tracking it." Meanwhile, Real Women of Canada national vice-president Gwendolyn Landolt alleged that moving forward with the bill is "in keeping with the Liberal policy -- they know best and they'll do whatever the like regardless of the public."

As we've stated previously, we'd prefer to see the state get out of the marriage business entirely, rather than attempt to adapt existing laws to modern values. But whatever side of the issue one is on, the notion that the reforms are being rushed through without proper debate is overblown.

In fact, it's hard to think of a policy issue that has been the subject of more debate in this country over the past two years. After committee hearings, endless public analysis and a 2004 election in which voters were well aware that a re-elected Liberal government intended to legalize gay marriage, the personal stance of virtually every MP in the country is already well-documented. And given the degree to which opinions on the issue are inflamed, it is highly unlikely that any of those positions will change in the foreseeable future, no matter how much more debate there is.

Considering the usual Liberal tendency to take the path of least resistance wherever possible, there is actually cause to be encouraged by their decision to move forward now on one of Canada's most contentious issues. Governments are elected to lead, and for better or worse, this one received a mandate last year to change our marriage laws -- a position also supported by two of the three opposition parties. To endlessly prolong the inevitable, even as courts have made it legal for gay couples to wed in most provinces, would serve little purpose.

If the bill passes, socially conservative voters can be counted upon to register their disapproval with MPs who supported it come the next election. That is their right. But bigger issues that affect far more Canadians -- health care, taxation, fiscal management, the state of Canada's military and a range of others -- should not be pushed out of the spotlight by a hot-button issue that's already been effectively decided.

[GMMAC]

These are the founding members of the defendMARRIAGE Coalition:

Catholic Civil Rights League

Canada Family Action Coalition

Campaign Life Coalition

Real Women of Canada

[GMMAC]

"TRUE BLUE"
~ CPC PING! ~

[wvobiwan]

Just bought a new tshirt:

I only support gay marraige if both chicks are hot!

:>)~

[Asfarastheeastisfromthewest...]

But bigger issues that affect far more Canadians -- health care, taxation, fiscal management, the state of Canada's military and a range of others -- should not be pushed out of the spotlight by a hot-button issue that's already been effectively decided.

For real people of faith, this is a far bigger issue than all these things. By the way, there was a town hall forum chaired by Michael Coren in Toronto last night. Anybody hear how it went? I was going to go to it but had to change plans at the last minute.

[Heartofsong83]

Pat O'Brien is a CINO sellout? He was never a Conservative, but his policies are in line with the Conservative Party...more like a LINO sellout!

[GMMAC]

The point is that the nation's supposedly leading conservative newspaper is effectively advocating throwing in the towel on the issue of same-sex 'marriage'. Plus, it has the gall to say it's because the country should move on to other more important issues.

Aside from the fact that most social conservatives firmly believe that there is no more crucial matter at hand than preserving the conventional family, it's a betrayal to urge allowing the most openly corrupt government in our history to carry on doing business. Whether it's on the same-sex issue or any other one, the only principled stand is demanding that the Liberals be defeated at the absolutely first opportunity. I couldn't care less what the polls say: bear in mind that now minor historical footnotes John Turner and Kim Campbell were leading when elections were called too!

[Heartofsong83]

That's very true...and both took over from long-serving PM's (just like Martin from Chretien)...