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(Ottawa) American evangelists are urging
Canadians to oppose same-sex marriage. The anti-gay groups are using Christian
broadcasters to spread the message.
Earlier this week, James Dobson, chairman of the Colorado-based
Focus on the Family, in a broadcast heard on 130 radio stations across Canada
denounced the government of Prime Minister Paul Martin which will bring in a
same-sex marriage bill next week.
"Your prime minister, Paul Martin, has recently done things to subvert
the will of the people," Dobson said.
"It is clear here in the United States that the American people do not
want same-sex marriage," Dobson continued. "I would hope that Canadians who also do not
want same-sex marriage would be encouraged by what has happened down here."
Dobson told listeners that same-sex marriage is not a human rights issue and that
passing such a law would destroy the institution of marriage and undermine society.
Dobson concluded his broadcast by calling on Canadians to pray on the issue
and to donate money to Focus on the Family.
The organization has set up a Canadian website with form letters that
people can download to send to their member of Parliament.
Alex Munter of Canadians for Equal Marriage said
Dobson is trying to impose American values on the Canadian political system.
Munter said conservative American groups are
worried about the long-term effect of a Canadian same-sex marriage law on the
United States.
"It is very important for Canadians to know that there is a tremendous
influence by American organizations and by American far-right groups who are
trying to affect the outcome of what should be a Canadian decision," Munter
told Sun newspapers.
"Those who support discrimination in the United States know that when
Canada respects equality, when Canada upholds the Charter of Rights, it
undermines their arguments," he said.
The same-sex marriage bill is expected to pass
Parliament. A Sun Media poll shows at least 135 members of parliament
intend to vote in favor of the bill. Some 102 MPs say they will vote against it
and 19 are undecided.
©365Gay.com 2005
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