"The marriage debate has had its day" says National Post

National Post editorial board, Friday, June 3, 2005 Page: A18

Amid reports that the Liberals' same-sex marriage bill will be brought before the House of Commons this month, the Conservatives are crying foul. "Obviously, the government is willing to ram this through as quickly as possible," Tory MP and Justice critic Vic Toews complained on Wednesday.

Mr. Toews concerns have been echoed by other opponents of gay marriage. "It became obvious today that there is an agenda to fast-track this," Liberal MP Pat O'Brien said Wednesday. "There's a whole lot of us that don't support fast-tracking it." Meanwhile, Real Women of Canada national vice-president Gwendolyn Landolt alleged that moving forward with the bill is "in keeping with the Liberal policy -- they know best and they'll do whatever the like regardless of the public."

As we've stated previously, we'd prefer to see the state get out of the marriage business entirely, rather than attempt to adapt existing laws to modern values. But whatever side of the issue one is on, the notion that the reforms are being rushed through without proper debate is overblown.

In fact, it's hard to think of a policy issue that has been the subject of more debate in this country over the past two years. After committee hearings, endless public analysis and a 2004 election in which voters were well aware that a re-elected Liberal government intended to legalize gay marriage, the personal stance of virtually every MP in the country is already well-documented. And given the degree to which opinions on the issue are inflamed, it is highly unlikely that any of those positions will change in the foreseeable future, no matter how much more debate there is.

Considering the usual Liberal tendency to take the path of least resistance wherever possible, there is actually cause to be encouraged by their decision to move forward now on one of Canada's most contentious issues. Governments are elected to lead, and for better or worse, this one received a mandate last year to change our marriage laws -- a position also supported by two of the three opposition parties. To endlessly prolong the inevitable, even as courts have made it legal for gay couples to wed in most provinces, would serve little purpose.

If the bill passes, socially conservative voters can be counted upon to register their disapproval with MPs who supported it come the next election. That is their right. But bigger issues that affect far more Canadians -- health care, taxation, fiscal management, the state of Canada's military and a range of others -- should not be pushed out of the spotlight by a hot-button issue that's already been effectively decided.