OTTAWA, ON March 22, 2013 – The Catholic Civil Rights League regrets that Motion 408 has been deemed unvotable and therefore will not be brought forward in the House of Commons.
On September 27, 2012, Member of Parliament Mark Warawa (PC – Langley) introduced Motion M-408. It reads simply, “That the House condemn discrimination against females occurring through sex-selective pregnancy termination.” Many League members and others expressed their support for the motion in correspondence with their MPs.
The motion was brought up unexpectedly at the Sub-Committee on Private Members’ Business March 21. The declaration that it was non-votable was unanimous. Members stated that it falls outside the jurisdiction of the Federal Government and is similar to a motion already voted on in the House.
“This motion simply asked that the House condemn a deplorable practice – that of the selective abortion of females,” said Joanne McGarry, League Executive Director. ““The vast majority of Canadians – 92 per cent according to a recent poll, have condemned the practice. It’s unfortunate that the House will now probably not have the opportunity to collectively express the revulsion of most Canadians for sex-selective abortions.”
Mr. Warawa has announced that he is pursuing possibilities for appealing the sub-committee’s decision.
About CCRL
Catholic Civil Rights League (www.ccrl.ca) assists in creating conditions within which Catholic teachings can be better understood, cooperates with other organizations in defending civil rights in Canada, and opposes defamation and discrimination against Catholics on the basis of their beliefs. CCRL was founded in 1985 as an independent lay organization and has chapters across Canada. The Catholic Civil Rights League is a Canadian non-profit organization entirely supported by the generosity of its members.
For further information:
Joanne McGarry, Executive Director, 416-466-8244; joanne.mcgarry@ccrl.ca