Justice minister won't support Tory same-sex marriage bill
Last Updated: Thursday, March 8, 2007 | 9:29 AM AT
CBC News
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New Brunswick Justice Minister T.J. Burke has made an about-face on a proposed Opposition bill concerning civil servants performing same-sex marriage ceremonies.
Last week, the Opposition Tories introduced Bill 37, a measure that would allow civil servants to opt out of performing same-sex ceremonies if it went against their beliefs.
At first, Burke said the Liberal government would support the legislation.
"Religious rights of the employee trump the position of employment," Burke said Friday.
"Until the Supreme Court of Canada says otherwise, it's that individual's religious right and religious belief affirmed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms that are protected."
But on Wednesday, the justice minister seemed to change his mind.
"The civil servant has the professional obligation to perform their duties as a civil servant in an impartial and a professional manner," he said.
Calls it flawed
Burke now says the bill is flawed, and the government will no longer support it.
He says the Opposition knows it wouldn't stand up to a court challenge, and he thinks the Conservatives are just trying to stir up controversy.
Woodstock Tory MLA David Alward, the author of the bill, says the change of heart reflects something about the young government.
"You know, this shows that they're bending to pressure." Alward said. "It shows that they're not ready to govern. I have questions about what's changed in the last 48 hours."
Burke says additional research on the topic and a full briefing by department officials was what changed his mind.
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