Liberals and NDP again manipulate
session to prevent democratic
debate and vote
EDMONTON, Alberta A private
members bill that would protect Albertans who
oppose homosexual activity from fines or discrimination
charges faced a third and final reading yesterday in
the legislature. However, the Liberal and NDP opposition
commandeered the time available for private members
bills with procedural matters effectively killing the
bill.
The Toronto Sun quotes Morton responding
"I am definitely disappointed. I think it was incredibly
irresponsible of the Liberals and the NDP to waste our
time and the taxpayers' money."
MLA Ted Morton introduced controversial
Bill 208 in April. The Protection of Fundamental Freedoms
(Marriage) Statutes Amendment Act would have permitted
marriage commissioners to opt out of performing homosexual
marriages, and require schools to obtain
parental permission before introducing material on homosexuality
in the classroom. As well, persons would have been protected
from fines or other charges for speaking out against
homosexuality.
While homosexual activists have condemned
the bill as discriminatory and an attack on human rights,
Morton has said the bill is about balancing rights and
has nothing to do with homosexual marriage.
Gay marriage is not a human right,
its a social experiment, Morton told the
Edmonton Journal. I think its a misguided
social experiment. Gay marriage does not appear in a
single recognized human rights document in the world.
Its not in the Charter of Rights. Its not
in the Canadian Bill of Rights. Its not in the
European Convention of Human Rights, its not in
the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.
Morton is considered a possible contender
for the party leadershiphe has pledged to continue
seeking protection for those who oppose homosexuality
if he should become premier.
Mortons competitors for the party
leadership came out in support of the measure. MLA Lyle
Oberg said he was in favour of the bill because it would
protect the individuals fundamental right to choose,
the Calgary Sun reported.
Nobody should be able to litigate
against people who choose not to do something,
Oberg said.
The bill passed second reading in May
but died before reaching third round, as opposition
members used stalling tactics to prevent the measure
from final passage.
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