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FREDERICTON - The Roman Catholic Church should keep its nose out of the government’s same-sex marriage legislation, Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew suggested yesterday.
Asked about plans by church groups in Quebec to launch a campaign against same-sex marriage, Mr. Pettigrew said the government and churches should not get involved in each other’s affairs.
“I find that the separation of the Church and the state is one of the most beautiful inventions of modern times.”
While some Liberal MPs have said they will oppose the legislation or have yet to make up their minds, Mr. Pettigrew said there is no doubt in his mind that he will support the bill to be tabled when Parliament resumes.
“It is a question of principle for me. I will support the government’s legislation on the marriage of same-sex couples.”
Prime Minister Paul Martin has already ordered all members of Cabinet to vote with the government although backbenchers are free to follow their consciences. Last week, Catholic archbishops voiced their opposition to the bill, echoing the concerns of Muslim and Sikh religious leaders.
And yesterday, Catholics were outraged at Mr. Pettigrew’s suggestion they keep silent on an issue of moral significance such as the same-sex legislation.
“Certainly those who are trying to bring about change have not been shy at engaging in debate,” said Thomas Collins, Archbishop of the Diocese of Edmonton. “We have every right to make our voice heard as well.”
Archbishop Collins says Ottawa should not try to stifle the views of any Canadians on issues of moral conscience. “This is an effort to try to remove moral comment from issues affecting the common good.”
He also noted the Catholic opposition to same-sex marriage is shared by other Christian groups, as well as Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Orthodox Jews.
canada.com/national/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=7774f292-106c-4987-953a-94c7a3a85fe1
Asked about plans by church groups in Quebec to launch a campaign against same-sex marriage, Mr. Pettigrew said the government and churches should not get involved in each other’s affairs.
“I find that the separation of the Church and the state is one of the most beautiful inventions of modern times.”
While some Liberal MPs have said they will oppose the legislation or have yet to make up their minds, Mr. Pettigrew said there is no doubt in his mind that he will support the bill to be tabled when Parliament resumes.
“It is a question of principle for me. I will support the government’s legislation on the marriage of same-sex couples.”
Prime Minister Paul Martin has already ordered all members of Cabinet to vote with the government although backbenchers are free to follow their consciences. Last week, Catholic archbishops voiced their opposition to the bill, echoing the concerns of Muslim and Sikh religious leaders.
And yesterday, Catholics were outraged at Mr. Pettigrew’s suggestion they keep silent on an issue of moral significance such as the same-sex legislation.
“Certainly those who are trying to bring about change have not been shy at engaging in debate,” said Thomas Collins, Archbishop of the Diocese of Edmonton. “We have every right to make our voice heard as well.”
Archbishop Collins says Ottawa should not try to stifle the views of any Canadians on issues of moral conscience. “This is an effort to try to remove moral comment from issues affecting the common good.”
He also noted the Catholic opposition to same-sex marriage is shared by other Christian groups, as well as Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Orthodox Jews.
canada.com/national/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=7774f292-106c-4987-953a-94c7a3a85fe1