How can the Government justify allowing a free vote on this bill now that the Supreme Court has ruled that it is a matter of fundamental constitutionally-protected human rights?
The Government is strongly committed to this legislation. Cabinet will vote for it and we will urge all Members of Parliament to carefully consider the merits of voting to uphold what the Supreme Court of Canada has told us is a fundamental Charter right. But we can’t ignore that this is a difficult issue for many – for personal or religious reasons. We’re talking about changing one of the central and longstanding institutions of society. That’s something that will bring out strong feelings on all sides. The Government will encourage MPs – and indeed all Canadians – to conduct this debate in a calm and respectful way. The bottom line is that Members can vote as they choose, but the Government has a view, and we will advocate that view vigorously.
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