BREITKREUZ DEFENDS TRADITIONAL DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE

“Residents of Yorkton-Melville have sent me a clear message through letters, emails and faxes – they are opposed to changing the definition of marriage.”

OTTAWA – Garry Breitkreuz, Conservative Member of Parliament for Yorkton-Melville, defended the very foundation for healthy families today in the House of Commons by speaking out against Bill C-38, the Liberal government’s same-sex marriage legislation. Breitkreuz shared some of the letters he has received from constituents. By doing so, Members of the House were able to hear firsthand what the majority of Canadians believe – the traditional definition of marriage needs to be upheld by the Canadian government.

“Residents of Yorkton-Melville have sent me a clear message through letters, emails and faxes – they are opposed to changing the definition of marriage,” said Breitkreuz. “In almost every letter, the author concludes with a plea that I do all I can to ensure the institution of marriage remains as it has since Canada’s inception in 1867. Why would we even contemplate changing something that is so valued and sacred to Canadian families?”

Bill C-38 would see the definition of marriage change to include the union between two people of the same sex. Despite Liberal fence-jumping on the issue of same-sex marriage, Breitkreuz’s stand, to maintain the definition of marriage as the union between one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others, has not wavered.

“I am adamantly opposed to changing the definition of marriage from its traditional form,” said Breitkreuz during his speech. “I have remained true to my values and true to the values of my constituents.”

This is not the first time the traditional definition of marriage has been challenged in the House of Commons. In 1999, Breitkreuz was among 215 Members of Parliament who voted to keep the definition of marriage as the union between one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others. At that time, Members also voted to take all necessary action to ensure that this definition stayed true. Among those voting in favour with Breitkreuz were Liberal Cabinet Ministers Paul Martin, Anne McLellan, and Ralph Goodale.

“It is disturbing to watch this Liberal government change its mind and then turn its back on the majority of Canadians yet again,” said Breitkreuz. “If they are able to break a promise on this issue and an institution as sacred as marriage, what good is their promise that religious beliefs will be protected?”

The Conservative Party has proposed an alternative to Bill C-38, which would allow same-sex partners legal recognition with equivalent rights and benefits while protecting the sanctity of traditional marriage and the very foundation for strong families. The Liberal government has refused to consider any alternative to its bill.

Second reading on Bill C-38 is expected to wrap up in April, at which time the bill will be sent to committee. The final vote is expected to take place in June before the House rises for the summer. Despite the Conservative Party’s call to allow all Members of Parliament a free vote on the issue, the Liberal Party is pressuring its Members to vote along party lines and in favour of changing the definition of marriage to allow couples of the same sex to marry.

A copy of Breitkreuz’s speech is available by clicking here . . .

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