Dalton McGunity, Premier of Ontario
"I believe in a woman's right to choose." (CBC, Metro Morning, Dec 2, 1996).
"I've made it very clear. I support same-sex marriage." (Lifesite, Sept. 23, 2003).
Attended and handed out the "Fearless" award at the 2006 Toronto Gay Pride Parade "Pride Toronto Gala and Awards".
(June 20, 2006)
Attended and handed out the "Science, Medicine and Technology" award at the 2007 Toronto Gay Pride Parade "Pride Toronto Gala and Awards". (June, 20, 2007).
"There are very few political leaders who would allow all of their actions to be informed exclusively by dictates of the church," (Ottawa Citizen, May 15, 2007).
Mr. McGunity was also a head table guest at the 27th Cardinal's Dinner in the Archdiocese of Toronto.
CANONICAL STATUS: CATHOLIC ON GOOD STANDING
Paul Martin, Former Prime Minister of Canada
"I believe that women should have the right to choose." (Press Conference, June 1, 2004)
"Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Bill C-38, the Civil Marriage Act. Certainly, many of us in this House, myself included, have a strong faith, and we value that faith and its influence on the decisions we make." (Hansard, Feb 16, 2005)
"Absolutely the guaranteed way to make sure that nobody takes away a woman's right to choose is to eliminate the notwithstanding clause." (National Leaders Debate, Jan 10, 2006).
CANONICAL STATUS: CATHOLIC ON GOOD STANDING
Jean Chretien, Former Prime Minister of Canada
"I Am A Catholic And For Abortion." (May 27, 2003; quoted by Lifesite, May 28, 2003)
We will ensure that our legislation includes and legally recognizes the union of same-sex couples."
(June 17, 2003, New York Times).
"Jean Chretien is an especially worthy candidate. He is a devout Catholic, who adhered to his public responsibility of equality for all Canadian citizens. With his impetus, most of Canada's provinces legally sanction same-sex marriage." Michele Bogrette, Nov 22, 2004. Vice-President, Board of Directors, Equality Forum).
CANONICAL STATUS: CATHOLIC IN GOOD STANDING
Mario Silva, Member of Parliament, Toronto
"My colleagues in the House are being asked to take a giant leap forward on the road to equality. This is not a time to evade our responsibility, now or for future generations. I call upon members to be bold in spirit and in action as we confront this challenge." (March 21, 2005, Hansard).
CANONICAL STATUS: CATHOLIC IN GOOD STANDING
Gilles Duceppe, Leader of the Parti Quebecois.
"In another hundred years, I believe no one will be challenging the right of two persons of the same sex to join together in the institution of marriage on the same basis as a man and woman. This particular change is part of a broader, universal movement to advance rights and democracy." (Hansard, Feb 16, 2005).
CANONICAL STATUS: CATHOLIC IN GOOD STANDING
Martin Cauchon, Former Liberal Justice Minister
"... the definition of marriage that the union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others is the one I grew up with, the one I learned from my parents. However let me remind members of parliament that our attachment to long cherished traditions and conventions is not the only, or even the best, measure of what is just or what is right."
(Sept. 16, 2003)
"We have the opportunity to challenge our settled assumptions and beliefs and do what is right in terms of equality: to vote down this motion that would once again restrict marriage to opposite sex couples." (Hansard, Sept. 16, 2003).
"And I believe this is the right thing to do....their relationships deserve to be fully recognized too" (Hansard, Sept. 16, 2003).
CANONICAL STATUS: CATHOLIC IN GOOD STANDING
