CANADIAN SSM LAW BY SUMMER, LIBERALS SAY: From the National Post

The federal government told Liberal MPs yesterday it will push same-sex marriage legislation through Parliament before a summer recess, prompting critics to charge the Liberals are ignoring public complaints about the controversial bill. ...

The unexpected development took the bill's opponents by surprise, with at least one group expressing surprise the Conservatives appear to be ready to concede the fight. ...

The bill will make Canada one of only three countries to legally recognize same-sex marriage. Court rulings in seven provinces and one territory have already declared that denial of legal marriage to gays and lesbians violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. ...

Philip Horgan, president of the Catholic Civil Rights League, who also testified at the committee this week, warned of dire consequences should the bill pass so quickly: "It's going to be an issue for every candidate in every riding."

He predicted priests and ministers of all religions will consider giving up their provincially issued marriage licences and begin performing marriage ceremonies for members of their faith under their individual church rules.

"We've already seen a lot of clergy give up their licences," he said. "They continue to perform marriages, but for legal purposes, people will be getting married at city hall."

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posted by Eve at 3:32 PM | link

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