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Canada Family Action Coalition (CFAC) is
relieved the Court has finally delivered its "opinion"
on marriage and now the debate and decisions on marriage
can go back to where they belong - with the people of
Canada. "Let the real debate begin and Canadians'
opinions be heard on this issue," says Brian Rushfeldt,
CFAC Executive Director.
"The process for a fair decision on the definition
of marriage has been so corrupted, polluted and politicized
by less than 30 judges and maneuvers by the Liberal government,
that the only way to resolve this divisive matter is a
full vote by Canadians," says Rushfeldt. "We
are calling for a referendum on this crucial constitutional
issue at the next election. We plan to fight it riding
by riding with the Canadian people. The government asked
for the Court's opinion, now it needs to ask for the opinion
of the electorate as per the Referendum Act of 1992."
Though the Court ruled that extending marriage to same-sex
unions was consistent with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms,
it refused to respond to another question posed by the
Liberal government: "Is the traditional definition
of marriage between a man and woman constitutional?"
By refusing to respond to this question, the Supreme Court
has sent a clear message - it is the responsibility of
Parliament to legislate on this matter. Now the government
will not be able to use the excuse, "The Courts made
us to do it."
"The institution of marriage as man and woman is
so fundamental to all major religions that the state should
not be allowed to alter it," said Dr Charles McVety,
President of CFAC. "You do not have to desecrate
the sacred institution of marriage to protect the rights
of others." He pointed out, "Common law relations
already exists for others."
Rushfeldt says, "It is offensive to all married
people to be told their unique and sacred relationship
is now the same as homosexual relations." He calls
upon Justice Minister Cotler to abandon his dictatorial
intentions of forcing a redefinition of marriage upon
all Canadians and do the right thing - ask ALL Canadians
how they want marriage defined."
The concerns expressed by the Canadian government about
fair and democratic elections in other part of the world
is hypocritical, says Rushfeldt. "Right here in Canada
the Prime Minister has said he will not allow the people's
representatives, their MPs, to vote freely on marriage.
(The government has indicated it will introduce marriage
legislation early in the New Year). Martin is ordering
them to vote the party line. That is a corruption of democracy."
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Contact: Dr Charles McVety: 416- 434-
8261 or
Brian Rushfeldt at 403 -519-1497
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