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Every autopsy of the 2015 federal election agreed that the focus on social issues and identity politics was a failure. Half a year later have these lessons already been forgotten? No matter how far Stephen Harper’s government distanced themselves from social issues, and worked tirelessly for LGBT rights around the world, the policy declaration haunted them. Is there any merit to the arguments proposed against this motion? Some concerns of social conservatives are understandable, but misplaced. This motion isn’t pushed by ominous “special interests,” nor is it a conspiracy orchestrated by the “gay mafia”. It was brought by grassroots party members through their EDAs in Edmonton West and Fort McMurray. The group LGBTory has been outstanding in promoting LGBT issues in conservative circles, but let us not forget it consists of half a dozen unpaid volunteers with virtually no financial resources. If “special interests” are somehow involved, the term would more appropriately be applied to the groups opposed. First and foremost is the Campaign Life Coalition, active since 1978 with dozens of employees and locations across Canada, promoting anti-same sex marriage legislation, including through its own online newspaper, LifeSiteNews.com.

Likewise, any claim that this motion is a formal endorsement of same sex marriage is utterly unsubstantiated. Neither the original movers of the motion, LGBTory, or anyone else wishes to impose their personal values onto those that disagree — doing so would contravene the very spirit of conservatism. Individuals and faith organizations should have every right to define marriage as they see right and practice that beliefs freely. It is when the state is empowered to decide what is and isn’t appropriate that religious liberties are truly threatened. The Conservative Party needs to assert the right of MP’s to a free vote on matters of conscience — a right social conservatives should appreciate more than most.

To defeat this motion would only serve to give credence to accusations of a secret, homophobic agenda harboured by the party. Because why else hold onto this pointless, impossible, and self-contradictory declaration, if not to deny same sex couples’ right to marriage? Canada has moved beyond this issue — its time for the CPC to catch up.

Alexei Simakov is the outgoing president of the Conservative Association at McGill University.