So sayeth the Father

Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s disturbing statements to the media that he will undemocratically not permit anyone to reopen the debate on abortion are a stark betrayal of conservative principles and should prompt electoral defeat in his riding in the coming federal election, says the editor of Canada’s national Catholic magazine of news, analysis and opinion. In addition, Father Alphonse de Valk, editor of Catholic Insight magazine, is calling for the removal of Harper as Conservative party leader.

 

“For Mr. Harper to state that he would not personally support a law limiting abortion is one thing,” said de Valk. “But to go so far as to strong arm his own MPs from supporting the right to life and even, as his spokesperson suggested, whip his cabinet on the matter, is unconscionable.”

De Valk noted Harper’s latest statements follow a bevy of other statements and actions during his prime ministerial tenure that have betrayed conservative and democratic principles. Earlier, Harper undermined Bill C-484, the Unborn Victims of Crime Act, which polls demonstrated is supported by a majority of Canadians.

He also squandered the parliamentary vote on so-called same-sex marriage, failed to rein in human rights commissions run amok and has not taken steps to overturn the naming of Henry Morgentaler to the Order of Canada, he said.

It is a falsity to suggest most Canadians support the current state of affairs wherein abortions can be committed right up to the moment of birth, said de Valk. In fact, he added, polls show most Canadians want restrictions on it, as demonstrated, for example, by a 2006 Environics Research Group survey that revealed 64 per cent of Canadians support laws to protect human life before birth.

“Mr. Harper’s position should reflect this,” said de Valk. “That he will not act conservatively and democratically on a crucial life and death matter disqualifies him from serving as leader of a conservative party. We encourage the voters of Calgary Southwest to defeat him in the election.”

From Catholic Insight Magazine, October 6, 2008

Geez, Louise.  It is something when the right doesn't even support the right.