Hey Canadian Kittens, I received this e-mail from EGALE, with a request to widely circulate. Seems we're not out of the woods yet. Please write your federal MP and the PMO.
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EQUAL MARRIAGE OPPONENTS ARE FLOODING MPs WITH LETTERS AND PHONE CALLS
[Please forward widely]
The battle over marriage for same-sex couples is on, and our opponents have been successful in stirring things up and making their voices heard. It is important that you, as a supporter of equality, make your voice heard too.
On June 17, 2003, the Prime Minister made the historic announcement that the government supports equal marriage for same-sex couples, that it would not appeal the court decisions in Ontario, B.C. and Quebec, and that the government will introduce legislation to give the court decisions effect across the country.
The Minister of Justice has stated that after the Supreme Court gives its stamp of approval, the legislation will be put to a free vote in the House of Commons. We must ensure that this legislation passes, otherwise an ominous message will be sent about the nature of our society and the place of LGBT persons within it. In addition, while same-sex couples can marry in Ontario and B.C., this legislation is needed so that equal marriage is a reality all across the country.
Many people assume that the free vote is just a formality, that with the help of the Bloc, the NDP and supportive P.C. members of Parliament there will easily be enough Liberals to support the equal marriage legislation. But our confidence may be misplaced. We are writing you today to let you know that the legislation is in grave danger, and that we must act now if we are to stem the tide of MPs declaring publicly against equal marriage.
As you may know, opponents of equal marriage have been working furiously to turn back the clock, both in the media and with those over whom they have influence. Many of them are using fear to instigate action, saying that clergy will be forced to marry same-sex couples and that freedom of religion is at stake.
Some have gone further. A group called Canadians Against Same-Sex Marriage is planning a rally against equal marriage on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on August 22. Their leader has said that allowing same-sex couples to marry would open a can of worms. Organizer Tom Dooling told reporters "(w)ill it mean that if a man wants to marry his dog, he can legally? If a grandmother wants to marry her cute little grandson, can she?"
Meanwhile, in Catholic churches across the country, people attending Sunday service are being warned about the evils of allowing same-sex couples to marry and that good Catholics must take action and urge their MPs to vote against the legislation. The Archbishop of Ottawa has written to the Prime Minister to tell him that passing the legislation is not something a good Catholic would do. Even the Pope has gotten into the act, announcing that the Vatican will release "instructions" for Catholic politicians to oppose same-sex marriage.
Across the country, MPs are being inundated with phone calls, letters and e-mail opposing equal marriage. Few messages of support for the legislation are being received. As a result, many MPs are getting scared.
Last week, four MPs from the Niagara area of Ontario announced they oppose equal marriage and will vote against the legislation. St. Catharines MP Walt Lastewka said roughly 260 constituents have contacted his office to voice their disapproval and only five have contacted his office in support. Tony Tirabassi, MP for Niagara Centre, said his office has received more e-mails, faxes and other correspondence this issue than any other in recent weeks. He said roughly 95 per cent of constituents contacting his office have indicated their opposition to equal marriage.
We believe that over time MPs' fears will be lessened, especially once the Supreme Court clearly states that freedom of religion is not in jeopardy, and that no clergy will be forced to perform a marriage that goes against their faith. The Alliance knows this, and has announced it plans to introduce a motion in Parliament when it resumes sitting in September, to force MPs to declare in advance of the Supreme Court decision.
That's why it's important to take action NOW to urge MPs to vote for equality and fairness, to support the equal marriage bill once the Supreme Court has given it a stamp of approval.
Tell [your MP] that you support the legislation to extend equal marriage to same-sex couples across the country.
You may also wish to highlight that
* Same-sex couples can already get married in B.C. and Ontario. It makes no sense for a couple to be able to marry in some provinces but not others.
* Marriage is about love and commitment. Since gay and lesbian couples can have the same level of love and commitment as opposite-sex couples, denying them legal marriage is simply unfair.
* Equal marriage will enhance religious freedom because some clergy want to marry same-sex couples, and outside of Ontario and B.C. they currently cannot.
* Religious officials have always been free to refuse to perform marriages that are not in accordance with their religious beliefs. Courts across this country have recognized that our Charter protects religious officials from being compelled to marry same-sex couples.
* Ask your MP to give you a clear answer about whether they support the Bill.
Please copy Egale on correspondence sent to your MP, and also let us know their response (you can reach Egale at
egale.canada@egale.ca).
Act now! Your voice can make a difference!
For further information:
Laurie Arron or Gilles Marchildon
Chair, Equal Marriage Committee Executive Director
Egale Canada Egale Canada
(416) 532-1088 1-888-204-7777
egale.canada@egale.ca*****
The
Archbishop of Alberta has said that our Prime Minister is risking his "eternal salvation" by proposing legislation that will give us the right to marry. Fortunately, this was the response (snip from above linked article)
A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister said yesterday that Mr. Chrétien's primary responsibility is to serve the Canadian public — not his church.
"As Prime Minister of Canada, he has the moral responsibility to protect the equality of Canadians," said Thoren Hudyma, a spokeswoman for the Prime Minister's Office. "There needs to be a separation between the church and state."
Mr. Martin also told reporters in Toronto yesterday that his responsibilities as an MP "obviously must take in a wider perspective" than his faith. He added that under the proposed federal law, "no church, not my church, no temple, no mosque, no synagogue will be asked to perform marriages in any way other than as they see fit."
Please excuse this bitter rant, but I thought we'd solved the issue of the separation of church and state several hundred years ago - apparently the church seems to have missed those (thousands) of encyclicals. Any politician who cannot set aside or reconcile his or her personal beliefs and act in accordance with the law, for the good of the people, should get out of politics.
Cheers!!
Patches
You know I've heard about people like me. But I never made the connection. They walk one road to set them free, And find they've gone the wrong direction. But there's no need for turning back 'cause all roads lead to where I stand. And I believe I'll walk them all No matter what I may have planned
Out 
at: 7/29/03 6:17 pm
Out
at: 8/2/03 11:32 am
C'mon Johnny, at least make a logical argument. You could have said something clever like deviant. Now that would have persuaded me. 
Which begs the qestion does Mr Howard think that we're living in bizzaro world or something?
)
at: 8/6/03 6:12 am