Harper would set back rights, Martin warns

Last Updated: Friday, January 20, 2006 | 7:50 AM ET

CBC News

Liberal Leader Paul Martin accused Stephen Harper of having the most extreme right-wing agenda in the history of Canada and warned that a Tory government could set back the rights of Canadians, particularly women.

He said the Conservative leader wants to limit the power of the courts and reopen debates over same-sex marriage and abortion rights.

"You add it all up and you see why Mr. Harper regards the courts with such suspicion because they stand between him and the most socially conservative agenda that has ever been this close to forming a government," Martin said.

Paul Martin holds a stuffed bear he received as a gift during a stop at a campaign office in Belleville, Ont., Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006. (CP photo)

Martin was responding to Harper's remarks from Tuesday that a Tory majority wouldn't wield power unfettered because of the Liberal-dominated Senate, and a civil service and judiciary that have been put in place by the Liberals.

He accused Harper of planning to stack the courts with socially conservative judges if he wins. He said this is of particular concern to women, given that there is a vacancy on the Supreme Court.

"Given his comments, would Stephen Harper restrict his search to candidates who share his political views? Who agree that judges have gone too far, that judges are too socially activist? What Mr. Harper has in mind for the courts is wrong.

"There's one place that the courts in this country would be in his way. And that's when they defend the Charter or Rights and that applies to same-sex marriage. It applies to a woman's right to choose."

While Harper has said he would have a free vote to reverse the recognition of same-sex marriage, he has insisted he will not introduce any legislation regarding abortions.

Martin criticized Harper's comments about abortion that he made in a television interview on Wednesday.

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"Just yesterday, he said that his views on a woman's right to choose are too complex for Canadians."

Martin jumped on Harpers' response when asked whether the Conservatives would pledge to never bring in legislation restricting abortion.

"And he said, 'Well, never is a long time.' I gotta comment. The fact is never means never."