Social issues dominate another Tory stop

DARREN YOURK

Globe and Mail Update

June 10, 2004 at 1:53 PM EDT

Another day on the campaign trail meant another round of tough questioning on gay rights for Conservative Leader Stephen Harper Thursday.

Reporters paid little attention to a Conservative Party immigration policy announcement made in Brampton. Ont., instead choosing to scrutinize the views of Mr. Harper and some members of his party on a number of contentious social issues.

In front of an audience that cheered his every answer and heckled reporters during some questions on social views, the Conservative leader refused to say whether or not he views sexual orientation as a lifestyle choice or a fundamental characteristic.

"That's not part of my election campaign," Mr. Harper said. "What consenting adults do is their own business and it's not up to me to comment on one way or the other. That's not what people want from government officials."

Mr. Harper said he didn't think the issue is a relevant part of the political debate.

"I don't think it is actually," he said. "I think what is relevant is the party positions we take on public policy questions. I don't think that's a public policy question.

Mr. Harper said his government would accept refugees from countries where they've been persecuted for their homosexuality.

"I believe that if people face serious persecution – violence, threats – for things that are perfectly legal in this country I believe that's legitimate grounds for a refugee application.."

Mr. Luellau also defended the policy of his former organization, the Canadian Council of Christian Charities, to fire, or not hire, any employee or volunteer found to be in a homosexual relationship.

Mr. Harper said Thursday he was concerned with the story and had contacted Mr. Luellau.

"He's been asked to make it abundantly clear that he would respect the decisions and lifestyles of consenting adults," he said. "These are not a matter of government legislative business. Any member of our party or government would treat all Canadians equally when it comes to federal jobs or public opportunities."

"Any candidate who won't pledge that clearly will be removed as a candidate."

Mr. Luellau released a statement Thursday morning that said he would make sure that gays and lesbians working in public jobs were treated equally.

"Regardless of my personal religious views, I respect the legal right of consenting adults to make their own choices, and would not legislate in this area," the statement reads. "I will ensure equal opportunities to all public jobs and programs to all Canadians."

The Conservative Leader has spent a considerable amount of his time during the campaign answering for controversial statements made by his candidates.

The issue of abortion rights flared when health critic Rob Merrifield, suggested that independent counselling would be "valuable" for women contemplating abortion and the Liberals circulated an article that contained comments by Ontario Conservative MP Cheryl Gallant likening the beheading of an American in Iraq to abortion.

Ms. Gallant also told CTV News that a new law extending hate-crime protection to sexual orientation might end up shielding pedophiles.

Justice critic Vic Toews and Mr. Harper have both faced questions on their stance that a law that protects gays from hate crimes must be substantially altered to protect religious schools from losing their charitable status or public funds for teaching that homosexuality is wrong.

Mr. Harper denied reporter's suggestions that a number of Conservative candidates have been told by the national campaign to keep a low profile in an effort to keep their controversial comments off of the airwaves and front pages.

"Candidates are free to make their own decisions on what local things they do and do not do," he said.

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