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Canada
Family Action Coalition (CFAC) is disturbed by "democratic
corruption" in the Senate. Not only has fiscal corruption
surfaced in the Liberal government, we now see corruption
in the Senate. The difference is the Senate corruption
is in matters of democracy, not dollars; and though not
illegal, it is certainly unethical.
"Canadians
have voiced massive protest to Bill C 250," says
Brian Rushfeldt, CFAC Executive Director. "This amendment
to hate propagation legislation is opposed by legal experts,
religious groups, many legislators, and a huge groundswell
of grassroots Canadians. This draconian law would restrict
free speech and make criminals out of Canadians simply
for voicing an opinion or religious view that disagrees
with certain sexual behaviours."
Bill
C-250 calls for sexual orientation to be equated to such
characteristics as race and colour and even religion.
"This is offensive to most Canadians. Sexual behaviour
has no place in this law. The intent of this amendment
is not to protect homosexuals from violence -- it is to
oppress free speech and restrict Canadians from expressing
a belief or opinion that disagrees with some sexual behaviours."
Rushfeldt
expresses dismay that standard democratic process in the
Senate has been corrupted. "Usually, legal changes
of this magnitude involve full and proper public hearings.
But the Senate Committee decided less than 10 days ago
to receive public input, and the first hearings took place
on March 10 and March 11. "We have been told that
the first individuals/groups invited to provide input
at these hearings were Amnesty International, Svend Robinson,
EGALE and a "hate crime" cop from Vancouver.
We also understand that they were not restricted to standard
five-minute presentations as were other witnesses who
have different views. In fact, we have been told, only
three or four witnesses that oppose C- 250 will be heard,
despite the fact that hundreds of concerned Canadians
have requested to appear before this committee."
Clearly,
the Senate has chosen to manipulate the democratic process
and rush this law through the Senate prior to an anticipated
adjournment of Parliament in April (presuming a possible
election call), says Rushfeldt.
"We
now expect this kind of corruption of the Liberal government,
but it is disturbing to see ‘democratic corruption’
occurring in the Senate as well," says Rushfeldt.
"Bill C-250 was misrepresented in Parliament and
passed through with questionable methods, then never debated
properly at the Parliamentary level due to manipulation
by Svend Robinson. The dishonest testimony of MP Robinson
at the hearings, which at least one Senator challenged,
highlights the deceit surrounding this Bill. Yet the Senate
appears supportive of such a travesty and corruption of
democracy."
We
expect and demand more of our legislators at all levels
of government, says Rushfeldt. "We may need a new
government to rescind this dangerous law if passed by
the Senate. We need elected Senators rather than appointed
hacks. In fact there are two Senate vacancies and two
truly elected Senators waiting. Mr. Martin – you
promised to reform things, now is your chance."
"The
next election is not far away, and Canadians will not
forget this."
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For
more information, contact Brian Rushfeldt: (403) 295-2159
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