OTTAWA, November 9, 2006 – The Catholic Civil Rights League has urged all parliamentarians to consider the joint “Declaration on Marriage” issued today by religious leaders before the upcoming vote on revisiting the marriage issue. 

The declaration, signed by representatives of 40 faith groups, including the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, summarizes the historical understanding of marriage and its importance as the primary nurturer of children, and also notes the threat to freedom of religion and freedom of expression posed by same sex “marriage.”  

“These concerns are already being played out in many of our courts and human rights tribunals,” notes League President Phil Horgan. “The fact that representatives of so many diverse faith groups have issued this declaration shows that many Canadians do not consider the redefinition of marriage to be closed.” 

 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