Reality check: Conservatives warned of same-sex marriage issues months ago

The Prime Minister’s claim of ignorance around legal problems facing same-sex marriage conducted in Canada for overseas couples just doesn’t ring true.

Last October, New Democrats asked about this issue, and the exchange makes clear the Harper government’s position.

Oct 6, 2011, Question Period

Mr. Randall Garrison (Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, NDP):

“the Conservative government is opposing the guarantee of full protection of the law to this couple under the Divorce Act. Why is the Minister of Justice intervening in this case to deny equal protection of the law for all same-sex couples?”

Hon. Rob Nicholson (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, CPC):

“but it is a legal dispute over definitions… the matter is before the court”

Mr. Randall Garrison:

“the government knows full well it is intervening in the case, not standing back from the case. Will the minister agree to respect gay and lesbian rights and stop opposing full legal recognition of same-sex marriages and civil unions from other jurisdictions?”

Hon. Rob Nicholson:

“it is a question of definitions, and that is being argued before the courts. We are intervenors… and I look forward to the court's decision.”

The Harper government didn’t learn about this issue today. They’ve allowed rights to be put at risk and actively worked to re-open this issue. To now claim this is just a bureaucratic issue simply isn’t supported by the facts.

When it comes to protecting rights, Stephen Harper must stop saying one thing and doing another.