Some delegates had argued that eliminating the policy would scare social conservatives away from the party.

One former Conservative MP even cited dystopian literature in denouncing the proposal. "In George Orwell's 1984 book, people in power actually enforced their views by changing the very meaning of words," Stephen Woodworth said. "And that's exactly what's happened in Canada today, we don't even have a word anymore for the institution of marriage."

"Conservatives don't tear down institutions, let's leave the institution of marriage as-is," he added.

Another delegate said gay marriage deprives children of what he sees as the necessary mother-father parental structure. Some in the crowd booed and yelled "shame" as he spoke.

