Politics
Wednesday May 10, 2006
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Stalling Tactics Kill Alberta Private Bill Protecting Opposition to Homosexual Activity
By Gudrun Schultz
EDMONTON, Alberta, May 10, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A bill protecting the freedom of Albertans to opt out of teaching homosexual material or performing same-sex marriages ran out of time on Monday, as opposition members used stalling tactics to ensure the bill did not have a chance to pass.
A private members bill, the Protection of Fundamental Freedoms (Marriage) Statutes Amendment Act offered protection to those who oppose homosexual activity. The bill would have amended the Human Rights, citizenship and Multiculturalism Act by forbidding sanctions against Albertans who express their freedom of conscience and religion by supporting or opposing same-sex marriage.
“It’s a sad day for democracy when the Liberals and ND’s won’t allow a debate on an issue this important,” the bill’s sponsor, Ted Morton, told the Canadian Press.
Although Mr. Morton had earlier criticized Premier Ralph Klein for failing to advocate for Bill 208, the premier spoke out in favour of the bill on Monday, saying it stemmed from existing government policy.
“I don’t want to be perceived as a gay-basher, because I’m not,” said Klein. “But I want to protect those who, on moral and religious grounds, don’t want to marry a gay couple.”
Mr. Morton said he intends to revisit the bill during the coming leadership contest for Alberta’s Conservatives.
“I’m predicting that Bill 208 will be back as a government bill next February,” he said. “I know I have the support of about three-quarters of caucus plus the premier.”
See previous LifeSiteNews coverage:
Alberta MLA Proposes Protection of Fundamental Freedoms Act
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2006/apr/06041304.html
Alberta Bill on Same-Sex Marriage Likely to be Watered Down in Tory Caucus
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2006/may/06050403.html
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