Thursday, January 27, 2005
For Immediate Release
Toronto – “Every federal member of parliament should uphold the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, when they vote on same-sex marriage legislation,” says IAMAW General Vice President Dave Ritchie.
Parliament is expected to vote on the legislation when the House of Commons reconvenes next week in Ottawa.
“Freedom from discrimination is a fundamental human right under the Charter,” said Ritchie. “We have been down this road before, whether it was giving the right to vote to women, Canadians of African origin or removing the head tax on Chinese workers, we’re hearing the same arguments now.” “This is a human rights issue,” emphasized Ritchie, “it’s not about religion. The Charter allows religious officials the freedom to choose whom they will marry. Seven provinces and one territory have legalized same-sex marriage and the Supreme Court has given the our federal parliament the authority to legislate it too.”
Democracy will be severely tested on this issue. Debate and discussion in the House on this legislation will no doubt be heated and there is a very real possibility that it could be defeated. “Our Parliament has a unique opportunity to move Canada forward as a world leader of human rights. It begins in our own back yard and same–sex marriage legislation is a vital step in the struggle for equality,” said Ritchie. “We can’t afford not to take that step.”
