THE CANADIAN LEBANESE HUMAN RIGHTS FEDERATION (CLHRF)

E.mail: clhrf@yahoo.com
Web Site: www.clhrf.com
Phone & Fax:  (905) 270-0565
Newsline (905) 270-0565

Toronto - Canada
December 9/2004

For immediate Release

CLHRF supports the traditional definition of marriage

The CLHRF reiterates its very solid and clear stance that opposes all proposed changes to the definition of marriage. Marriage as far as the CLHRF is concerned means only, and only, a man and a women.  Marriage is a holy union between a man and a women, not between two women or two men.

In support of family unity principles and values, the CLHRF denounces all official and non-official attempts to legalize homosexual marriage and change the definition of marriage.

We strongly believe that only the people of Canada are entitled to decide on the fate and direction of such an important issue that concerns and effects every   Canadian family. This matter should not be decided on by the Supreme Court or even by the MPs. A federal referendum is the just and legitimate mean to tackle this controversial dilemma.

We believe that those of the same sex who agree and are willing to live together have that right.  The exercise of that right may be given some legal recognition, but it should not be recognized as a marraige.

The CLHRF calls on Justice Minister Irwin Cotler for the sake of the moral integrity of Canada to maintain the traditional definition of marriage in federal law, and to indefinitely defer any action on the introduction of same-sex marriage legislation in the interests of national health considerations, the protection of the family, and social stability in Canada.

We believe that the human person has a right to freedom of speech and religious liberty. This freedom means that all persons are to be immune from coercion on the part of individuals or of social groups and of any human power, including the government, in such wise that no one is to be forced to act in a manner contrary to his own beliefs, whether privately or publicly, whether alone or in association with others within due limits. Furthermore, we believe that the right to religious freedom and freedom of speech has its foundation in the very dignity of the human person as this dignity is known through the revealed word of God and by reason itself. In this context we believe any change in the traditional definition of marriage will be a flagrant infringement on religious liberty and and coercion for those who envisage marriage as holy.

Spokesman for the CLHRF
Elias Bejjani