Saturday, August 23, 2003

Ottawa Sun - By KATHLEEN HARRIS, Parliamentary Bureau

PARLIAMENT Hill was awash with hymns, prayers and anti-gay union slogans yesterday during a mass rally to defend the traditional definition of marriage.

Arriving by busloads, the all-ages, multi-ethnic group raised a collective voice against the Liberal government's draft bill to legalize gay marriage.

Marching from the Supreme Court to the Peace Tower, demonstrators carried signs that read "Adam and Eve, Not Adam and Steve," and "Don't Mess with Marriage" and wore red T-shirts with the universal symbols for man and woman. RCMP estimate the crowd was close to 10,000.

"I don't mind gays and lesbians, may they join in civil unions," said Debbie Jodoin of Orleans. "But do not undermine the majority of Canadians. We are here and we are saying no. We're tired of giving up our rights."

Fingering rosary beads, Darlene Lagasse of Ottawa quietly prayed for the protection of traditional families and called same-sex marriage "an abomination."

A small gathering of lesbian and gay couples and supportive clergy gathered at the Centennial Flame, but there were no clashes between the two groups. Chad Buffel, arm-in-arm with his long time partner, said the protesters don't represent the majority view of Canadians.

TINKERING WITH TRADITION

"The people here are motivated by a lot of different things, religion mostly it would seem," he said. "They are passionate about that and we think it's important to show other perspectives and points of view. We respect their desire to practise their religion, just as we wish we could practise sharing our love on an equal basis."

A line-up of speakers, including religious leaders, politicians and social conservative activists, also criticized the Liberal government for tinkering with the traditional definition of marriage and allowing courts to shape public policy.

Rev. William Oosterman of the Christian Coalition of Canada criticized Prime Minister Jean Chretien for rejecting calls for a national referendum on the issue.

"Democracy in Canada is dying," he said. "The Liberal government does not want to hear from you on this extremely important issue.

"I suggest to you, that you make the next election a referendum on marriage and on democracy itself."

Oosterman warned that "religious persecution" has crept into Canada and that religious rights may not be protected under same-sex marriage legislation.

"The Charter of Rights will not protect you. It will be used as a witness against you as people of faith," he said.

Canadian Alliance Renfrew-area MP Cheryl Gallant used the stage to level a broad swipe at the Liberals and their "anti-family agenda."

"This is not about equality, or a woman's right to vote, or about lifestyles or about any other unrelated excuse that is intended to confuse Canadians," she said. "This is about one thing, this is about protecting the institution of marriage."