Canadian bishops reiterate opposition to same-sex marriage bill

Published: 2005-02-01

OTTAWA (CNS) -- As the Canadian Parliament prepared to introduce same-sex marriage legislation, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops sent letters to government leaders reiterating their opposition and urging that legislators be allowed to vote according to their consciences. The bishops "stand united in their opposition to legislation that would redefine marriage in such a way that it is no longer recognized as the unique, essential and fundamental relationship of a man and a woman," said letters to Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin, Bloc Quebecois leader Gilles Duceppe and Jack Layton, leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada. The letters, sent on behalf of the bishops by Archbishop Brendan O'Brien of St. John's, Newfoundland, CCCB president, were dated Jan. 31. On Feb. 1, the Canadian government introduced a same-sex marriage bill into the House of Commons. The legislation contained provisions protecting religious groups that choose not to perform same-sex marriages.

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