[van-announce] Marriage Legislation in Jeopardy

[Paul Browning]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Nathan Hauch 
To: NDYC_LGBT_Committee at yahoogroups.ca 
Sent: Monday, August 11, 2003 12:48 PM
Subject: [NDYC_LGBT_Committee] [Fwd: Marriage Legislation in Jeopardy!!]



> 
> From: "Laurie Arron" <egale.canada at egale.ca>
> Date: 2003/08/11 Mon PM 03:06:08 EST
> To: <nathan.hauch at sympatico.ca>
> Subject: Marriage Legislation in Jeopardy!!
> 
> Hi Nathan
> 
> EGALE: URGENT ACTION ALERT!
> 
> LIBERAL MPs NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU BEFORE AUGUST 19 CAUCUS MEETING
> [Please forward widely]
> 
> As you likely know, the equal marriage legislation proposed by the feds is in serious jeopardy. Across the country, MPs are being inundated with phone calls, letters and e-mails opposing equal marriage. Few messages of support for the legislation are being received. As a result, many MPs are getting scared. Just today, Lynn Myers, who had initially supported the legislation, said that he was reconsidering his decision after receiving an enormous number of telephone calls, faxes and emails from his constituents opposing his initial decision.
> 
> Our latest vote count shows things are too close to call, with 114 MPs supporting the legislation, 123 opposing it and 64 on the fence. We've got to turn the tide soon if we are to avoid disaster.
> 
> The government will be under tremendous pressure at its August 19 caucus meeting. There is talk of asking the Supreme Court if a partnership registry (RDP, also known as civil union) is constitutionally acceptable as an alternative to marriage. This has the potential to turn back the clock and relegate same-sex relationships to second-class status. 
> 
> We must prevent the government from caving!! Please contact your MP TODAY! If you can, please phone or fax your MP, as these count for more than an e-mail. 
> 
> According to our records, your MP's contact details are:
> 
> MP Name: Mac Harb
> Riding: 35059
> Constituency Phone: +1 (613) 9927191
> Constituency Fax: +1 (613) 9928693
> E-mail: Harb.M at parl.gc.ca
> 
> If the above is blank, you can find your MP and contact details at http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/about/people/house/PostalCode.asp?lang=E&source=sm.
> Tell your MP that you support the legislation to extend equal marriage to same-sex couples across the country. 
> 
> What matters most about your message is that it's sincere and original. However, here are some suggestions if you need them: 
> 
> * Same-sex couples can already get married in B.C. and Ontario. It makes no sense for a couple to be able to marry in some provinces but not others.
> 
> * Equal marriage will enhance religious freedom because some clergy want to marry same-sex couples, and outside of Ontario and B.C. they currently cannot. 
> 
> * Denying us marriage, and giving us some separate registry instead, is akin to racial segregation and would relegate our relationships to second-class status. Imagine if the federal government prohibited interracial couples or Jewish couples from marrying, but said we'll let you register your partnership instead. The very idea is offensive and demeaning.
> 
> * A Free Vote is intended to free MPs with deeply held convictions from having to vote against those convictions. It is not intended to turn the vote into a popularity contest.
> 
> * Ask your MP to give you a clear answer about whether they support the Bill - if they're inclined to be unsupportive, please ask them to at least keep an open mind until the Supreme Court has had the chance to affirm that no-one rights or religious freedoms will be negatively-impacted in any way. 
> 
> Please let us know any responses you get from your MP (you can reach Egale at egale.canada at egale.ca). Also, check out www.egale.ca/equalmarriage.asp. It's now under construction, but will soon have an online petition and useful information about how you can play a role in this historic fight for equality.
> 
> Act now! Your voice can make a difference!
> 
> For further information:
> 
> Laurie Arron            
> Director of Advocacy
> Egale Canada            
> 1-888-204-7777
> egale.canada at egale.ca
> 
> 
> 


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