Gay Marriage Repeal Raised In Canadian Election Debate

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon05/12/121505canada.htm

Conservative leader Stephen Harper tried to shed his reputation for intolerance by insisting Thursday night he would love his children even if they were gay, adding - for the first time - that he wouldn't use the Constitution to outlaw same-sex marriage.

"It's a duty of parents to always love their children. I love my children and I'm going to love my children all my life," the Harper said in what was the emotional highlight of the four party leaders' first debate of the election campaign.

Harper said he would not use the Constitution's controversial notwithstanding clause to eradicate the right to same-sex marriage. He went on to say the issue would be settled by a free vote in Parliament if he becomes prime minister. But he refused to be pinned down on how he could void the law when the courts have ruled it unconstitutional to bar same-sex couples from marrying.