Dec. 9, 2004

Supreme Court Ruling on Liberal Government’s
marriage reference is a disaster

On Thursday, December 9, 2004, The Supreme Court of Canada released its response to the Liberal government’s marriage reference. The Court informed the government that their draft legislation complies with the Charter of Rights and that the definition of marriage is the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government rather than the provinces. They also ruled that religious institutions cannot be forced to perform homosexual “weddings”.

“The Supreme Court has chosen to direct government legislation rather than telling Parliament that they should draft, debate and vote on such legislation before the Courts speak,” said Jim Hughes, National President of Campaign Life Coalition (CLC). “The Prime Minister has sought to stifle legitimate debate by having the Court rule before draft legislation has even been presented to Parliament. We are a free nation ruled by elected representatives and more and more we are being ruled by an un-elected judiciary and not by our own elected representatives. The cart is definitely before the horse,” he continued.

“The only positive aspect on the reference is the freedom for Churches to refuse to perform ceremonies which are contrary to their beliefs,” said Mary Ellen Douglas, National Organizer for CLC. “One wonders when even these freedoms will be compromised by judicial activism.”

She continued, “Campaign Life Coalition stands firmly behind marriage as a union between one man and one woman and will oppose any attempts to attack this fundamental pillar in our society. We urge everyone to contact their MPs in their constituency offices and urge them to vote against any government legislation which approves of “same-sex” marriage. The battle has just begun.”

Media Contact:
Jean Morse-Chevrier, CLC Public Affairs Office, Ottawa 613-729-0379
Luc Gagnon, Campagne Quebec-Vie, Montreal 514-344-2686
Gillian Long, Campaign Life Coalition, Toronto 416-204-9749
Mary Ellen Douglas, National Organizer CLC, Kingston 613-389-4472

-30-

Fighting for Truth and Justice
Campaign Life Coalition is a National Pro-Life Organization
representing over 100,000 families across Canada.