Thousands Gather for Traditional Marriage in Canada
On Sunday, over 2,500 people rallied in opposition to same-sex marriage, showing multi-faith unity against Canada’s proposed same-sex marriage bill.
On Sunday, over 2,500 people rallied in opposition to same-sex marriage, showing multi-faith unity against Canada’s proposed same-sex marriage bill.
The Liberal government, headed by Prime Ministry Paul Martin, introduced the controversial Bill C-38 in early April. The bill would grant civil marriage rights to same-sex couples, in response to several court decisions in the nation that have declared the prohibition of same-sex marriage a violation of the Charter of Rights.
Conservatives, led by Party Leader Stephen Harper, failed to block the bill in the House. Conservatives sought to introduce new legislation to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman, but lost the vote when the New Democrats and the Bloc Quebecois joined the Liberals against Harper’s motion.
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A poll conducted by the Environics Research Group in March showed that Canadians are divided over the issue, with slightly more than half opposed to the proposed bill.
Sunday’s rally in Mill Woods Park, organized by the Committee for the Support of Traditional Marriage, is just one of many events revealing strong opposition within the nation against same-sex marriage.
Calgary Bishop Frederick Henry, one of Canada’s major critics of same-sex marriage, called on the government to take action against the legislation.
“The time has come for the government of Canada to use its coercive power to legislate that a couple being married must be a man and a woman,” said Henry.
Henry is currently facing two human rights complaints for comments he made in a letter, in which he likened homosexuality to adultery, prostitution, and pornography.
On Sunday, Henry defended his stance, saying, “This is not a fascist statement. This has nothing to do with an imitation of Hitler, it is not anti-homosexual, but it is the Christian teaching on the primordial status of marriage and family life.”
Participants in the rally showed strong support for Henry and other speakers who called upon the different faith groups to unite for traditional marriage. Some supporters of same-sex marriage held a peaceful protest at the event as well.
Currently, six provinces and one territory recognize same-sex marriages. The proposed Bill C-38 will, if passed, legalize same-sex marriage across all of Canada. Parliament has announced plans to move forward and seek approval of Bill C-38 by the end of June.
