HARPER DELAYS RE-OPENING VOTE AGAIN

Delay requested by equality opponents

(OTTAWA – Sept 27, 2006) Before Parliament resumed for the fall session, it was widely reported that a vote on Mr. Harper’s motion to re-open the divisive equal marriage debate would take place in early October. However, as Parliament resumed, Mr. Harper privately told his caucus that the vote would be delayed until just before Christmas.

“We are calling Mr. Harper out on this delay,” said Laurie Arron, National Coordinator of Canadians for Equal Marriage. “We know that opponents of equal marriage have asked for a delay, because they know the motion will be defeated and that after the vote Mr. Harper will have to admit that the issue is settled.”

“This is a cloud hanging over the heads of LGBT people,” Mr. Arron continued. “It’s unfair to make us wait another three months on this issue. Canadians want to move on. It’s time for Mr. Harper to get on with the vote, rather than seeking to please the religious right.”

Equality opponents want a delay so they have more time to pressure MPs and say that a failure to delay the vote “will short-circuit their extensive plans for public campaigns and lobbying MPs.” (See Globe and Mail story.)

Polls have consistently shown that two-thirds of Canadians are against re-opening the divisive equal marriage debate. (Click here for more info.)

Over 10,000 same-sex couples have been married in Canada in the over three years since Ontario first began issuing marriage them licences. (Click here for more info.)

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