[URBAN NOTE] "Why is Same-Sex Marriage Still Up for Debate Among Conservatives?"

[rfmcdonald]

That it has taken so long for the Conservative Party of Canada to accept same-sex marriage, as Erica Lenti wrote in Torontoist, is astounding.

According to the platform, which was last amended in November 2013, the Conservative Party “believe[s] that Parliament, through a free vote, and not the courts should determine the definition of marriage. We support legislation defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.”

Several MPs felt strongly about removing these clauses from the platform. Winnipeg MP Michelle Rempel broke down in tears during a scrum, noting to party members that her cousin is gay and that the Tory stance should be inclusive.

But the Tories are still split: about one-third of those at the convention voted against reviewing the heternormative references from the platform. In particular, Saskatoon MP Brad Trost said the issue is “divisive” and could tear the party apart.