LIBERAL PARTY Paul Martin, Leader

Party Policy
On March 5, 2005, the Liberal Party overwhelmingly approved a policy urging the Government of Canada "to continue to support civil marriage legislation that will recognize the equality rights of all Canadians" and that it "develop strategies to educate the Canadian public as to the issue of basic human rights with regard to same sex marriage." This policy does not bind MPs in how they vote.

Based on the percentage of incumbent MPs who voted in favour of Bill C-38 (the equal marriage bill). Absences are not included. The Liberals ranked third of the four parties with elected MPs. 100% is a perfect score.

It is expected that most, if not all, of the 7 new Liberal MPs will vote against re-opening equal marriage.

Leader of the Official Opposition - Bill Graham

Bill Graham is personally a strong supporter of equal marriage, dating back to at least 1999 when he voted against a Reform Party motion to define marriage in exclusively heterosexual terms. He is one of the strongest equal marriage advocates within the Liberal Party.

Leader of the Liberal Party - Paul Martin
Paul Martin provided effective leadership on equal marriage. His government introduced the equal marriage bill (Bill C-38) and he overcame Conservative delay tactics and threats from some in his own caucus to win its passage. Mr. Martin spoke eloquently about the need for the equal marriage bill in order to comply with the Charter.