LAYTON LAYS DOWN THE LAW
NDP Leader demands 'blind obedience' on marriage vote

September 8, 2003

 OTTAWA – Jay Hill, Member of Parliament for Prince George - Peace River, commented on recent reports that federal NDP Leader Jack Layton will not allow his caucus members to freely vote their conscience or represent the views of their constituents on the upcoming vote on reaffirming the current definition of marriage.   

“Throughout the course of the summer, the predominant issue for Canadians has been a proposal to change the traditional definition of marriage to allow for legalized same-sex marriage.  When the House of Commons session resumes next week in Ottawa, Parliamentarians will be deciding whether to keep the current definition or alter it to allow for same-sex marriage,” stated Hill. 

“Due to the deeply divisive nature of the debate, every political party will allow their members to freely represent the views of their constituents or vote their conscience, with the exception of the NDP.  I guess Jack Layton has decided he has no tolerance for democracy in the New Democratic Party,” Hill said. 

Layton was quoted, “There’s no question of blind obedience. … Our position is there’s no freedom to vote against human rights.”

“Marriage is a privilege, not a right,” concluded Hill “and that is why I will be supporting the traditional definition of marriage.”