For immediate release February 01, 2005

Moore comments on the introduction of legislation to change the definition of marriage


OTTAWA – Rob Moore, M.P. for Fundy Royal, responded today to the government’s introduction of legislation to change the definition of marriage.

“The Liberals are misleading Canadians on the protection of freedom conscience and religion,” said Moore. “The Supreme Court has already said the federal government cannot do this.”

Last December’s Supreme Court ruling on the issue found the clause in the draft government legislation, which purported to protect those who did not agree in changing the definition of marriage, was unconstitutional. “The Liberals cannot say that their move to change the definition of marriage will not have an impact on other freedoms in this country,” stated Moore.

Last fall, Moore introduced Private Members Bill C-268, which sought to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman. In a 7-4 vote, Liberal MPs were joined by Bloc and NDP colleagues sitting on the Procedure and House Affairs Committee in denying this bill votable status, stating that it was unconstitutional. Interestingly, the Supreme Court of Canada in its reference decision explicitly refused to answer the question of whether the traditional definition of marriage was unconstitutional.

“I have received many telephone calls, e-mails and faxes from all over the country and I appreciate the many Canadians who have been in touch with my office expressing their support for the traditional definition of marriage,” concluded Moore.



- 30 -
For more information contact
Gisele Taylor at (613) 996-2332, cell (613) 297-4818