cannabisnews.com: Liberals Support Decriminalization of Marijuana Liberals Support Decriminalization of Marijuana Posted by FoM on March 19, 2000 at 14:36:15 PT By Jennifer Ditchburn -- The Canadian Press Source: Canoe Liberal delegates at a weekend convention voted against legalizing same-sex marriage but supported decriminalizing marijuana in a policy debate that could form the backbone of the party's election platform. The resolution on same-sex marriage was defeated by a vote of 468 to 365 on the final day of the party's biennial convention Sunday. An attached motion to broaden the definition of common-law spouse to gay couples in federal legislation, however, passed handily. Another resolution to include sexual orientation in hate crimes legislation was also approved. The government already has legislation before the Commons to extend benefits to same-sex couples. But cabinet and a majority of MPs are reluctant to delve into the politically charged realm of same-sex marriage. "For us and for this government, marriage is a unique institution," said Justice Minister Anne McLellan. "It is one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others. "We also (want to ensure) that unmarried relationships, be they same-sex or opposite sex, are treated fairly and treated the same. Defence Minister Art Eggleton, and MPs Andy Scott, Jacques Saada, and Joe Fontana voted against the marriage resolution. Others abstained or quickly exited the convention hall. The motion was widely supported by the Liberal youth wing, which often acts as the left-wing conscience of the party. Queen's University student Jascha Jabes urged delegates to be a party of social change by recognizing the right of gay couples to legally marry. "There is a time and place for government to step out of the way and allow for the only prerequisite for a successful marriage to be love, not gender or sex, but love," Jabes told the gathering. Linda Schultz of Calgary disagreed. "If we give all benefits to anything, what is there to encourage the next generation to take on that responsibility, that commitment, to live 25, 50 years of marriage?" While legalizing gay marriage proved unpalatable to delegates, decriminalizing possession of marijuana, so that it would no longer be a Criminal Code offence, received a much easier ride. A further resolution to legalize the drug entirely, so that selling it would be acceptable, did not succeed. A move by the New Brunswick Liberals to promote the elimination of the GST from essential products, such as heating oil and clothing, failed after debate on how best to help low-income Canadians. "This tax relief will go to rich Canadians as well as poor Canadians," said Quebec delegate Simon Potter. "It is not targeted at helping poor people. We should look forward to an increased GST tax credit targeted at the poor." A contentious resolution on improving grain transport succeeded, much to the chagrin of Environment Minister David Anderson and others pushing for more privatization in the industry. "There go the B.C. seats," he said, throwing up his hands as the policy carried. The resolution reaffirms the Canadian Wheat Board's control over grain transport. Some say the board is inefficient and costs business to areas such as the Port of Vancouver. "What are we going to do, continue to regulate an industry from a government perspective, or are we going to make it more commercial, allow the changes to occur as they should occur?" asked Albertan farmer Brian Haddow. Ottawa (CP) Sunday, Mar. 19, 2000Copyright © 2000, Canoe Limited Partnership. CannabisNews Ottawa News Articles:http://www.google.com/search?q=cannabisnews+ottawa Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #1 posted by Symmetric on March 19, 2000 at 18:36:27 PT: wow.. If they're serious about this, I'm going to start campaigning for them now. I thought it would be one of the smaller parties like PC or NDP that would decide to do this first. The liberals actually have a real chance of getting elected for another 4 years. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: