OTTAWA, Sept. 26, 2005 – With today’s re-opening of Parliament, the Catholic Civil Rights League ( www.ccrl.ca) notes that many civil rights issues of concern will re-emerge during this session, through the introduction of legislation as well as during the election campaign expected after the Gomery commission submits its report.
 
“Efforts to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide, the re-definition of marriage, and the selective funding of advocacy groups through government grants remain issues of concern to many Canadians,” notes Phil Horgan, CCRL President. “While the marriage question will probably not be re-visited until the next election campaign, we know that private member’s legislation to legalize euthanasia (Bill C-407) will be brought forward for second reading soon. Our members are already making their views known to their MPs and we encourage them to continue to do so. We want this dangerous bill stopped.
 
“Church teaching offers some excellent guidelines for compassionate end of life care that would eliminate much of the interest in mercy killing and assisted suicide.  Those MPs who support this bill will be made known to our constituents.  This Parliament has criminalized religious speech (Bill C-250), promulgated same sex “marriage”, and is expected to vote on the decriminalization of marijuana.  The CCRL will continue to track MPs votes on these questions as we have on other questions in the past.”
 
During the last session of parliament, the League appeared before the House of Commons and Senate committees reviewing Bill C-38, which extended legal recognition to same sex “marriage”. It also corresponded with MPs and MPPs on a number of civil rights’ issues. In April, the League shared its tribute to the late Pope John Paul II with Catholic MPs and encouraged them to recall his teachings on marriage and family
life in the then-pending vote on C-38.  
 
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. 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