Conservative Leader Stephen Harper’s three proposed amendments to the government’s legislation on same-sex “marriage” left social conservatives less than impressed and represents typical Tory thinking on how to reach out to the political centre by alienating its base. Harper wants to amend the legislation so that it, “Recognizes the traditional definition of marriage; i.e., one man and one woman.” So far, so good, but his other two proposals are less inspiring and the second – to ensure government legislation, “Protects the rights of non-traditional unions, so that they are afforded the same benefits as married couples” – is fundamentally flawed.
Granting “non-traditional unions” the benefits of marriage without also extending its responsibilities would devalue marriage. Furthermore, it will do nothing to protect marriage in the long run; it sells the principle to protect a word. It is implausible to believe that once the legitimacy of homosexual relationships has been enshrined, the courts or Parliament would resist extending marriage rights to homosexual couples.
Lastly, Harper’s third amendment, proposing to ensure that the legislation, “Provides substantive protection for religious institutions to be free from performing gay marriages,” offers inadequate protection for religious freedom on the issue. It is not just religious institutions, but people, who hold traditional moral views (for instance, civil employees) and who require protection.
