[SebC]

Originally Posted by GP_Matt

I have been going through the Wildrose' policies and can't find anything that references marriage. In fact the google search 'marriage site:wildrose.ca' brings up only one page with an article about merging the Wildrose and the Alliance parties. I am sure that there are some members of the party who don't think marriage commissioners should be forced to perform same sex marriages but they do not represent the majority.

It comes from an interview with the WRA leader - the person the majority of the party chose to represent them.

Originally Posted by Bownesian

I'd actually like an answer to my questions though. In your opinion, should the Catholic Church (as an example) be allowed to refuse to host a lesbian wedding reception? Should a Catholic Priest be forced by the government to Marry a gay couple?

This is gonna seem like a cop out, but I'm not entirely sure. But I think there are different issues at play there that do not apply to civil unions performed by marriage commisioners.

Originally Posted by Calgaryborn

Look at my examples. Government services are often restricted by ethnicity, mental or physical condition, or gender. They target areas of need.

Government involvement in marriage came about because they saw a specific needs. Before homosexuality was even legal there were lots of instances of adults living together as a means of cutting expenses or for companionship. Some were extended family and some were friends. These groups never demanded then or now to have the special benefits a marriage offers. They aren't being discriminated against any more than you are by not having a government agent helping to find you lodging or a job.

A marriage license isn't a right. It is a service the government administers to a select group of society. Ask yourself why the government even offers the legal protection and tax breaks to married couples.

Homosexual roommates shouldn't recieve those benefits and protection any more than an adult child living in his mother's basement should.

Considering you don't need to have kinds to qualify for those tax breaks, and that homosexual couples can adopt children (and lesbians can use sperm donors), and that single parents don't get the same breaks, I'm gonna go with "to buy votes from married couples and social conservatives".