Act Now for Equal-Marriage - Don't Wait

PARLIAMENT BACK

JANUARY 31,

TAKE ACTION TODAY!!

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Opponents of equality for lesbian and gay people are making a desperate last-ditch attempt to stop equality. When Parliament resumes on January 31, they know they face their last chance to roll back the clock on equal marriage. They know the vote in Parliament is closer than many people think.

We need your help. We have to match the determined, well-funded efforts of those who want to deny lesbian and gay relationships equal treatment under the law. Our opponents are getting desperate -- they know they must stop the impending legislation so they can move on to their next goal -- a comprehensive same-sex marriage ban in Canada.

"We have the opportunity to settle this issue once and for all. But we can only win this fight with your help."

Opponents of equality are mobilizing for an unprecedented referendum on whether lesbian and gay people should be excluded from the protection of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Other groups are signing people up to join political parties so they can take over riding associations. Much of the activity is being undertaken by the Canadian arms of large, well-financed American organizations.

"SEVERAL FORMERLY SUPPORTIVE MPs ARE NOW SAYING THEY WILL VOTE AGAINST EQUAL MARRIAGE."

This week's message from Toronto's Catholic Cardinal underscores the desire of equal-marriage opponents to string this issue out for years to come. He is calling for at least five more years of delay, during which time the Charter of Rights and Freedoms would be suspended for lesbian and gay people and our relationships. We need the resources to send a clear message to MPs: our basic rights have been delayed for decades. It's finally time for action.

IF THE EQUAL MARRIAGE LEGISLATION LOSES IN PARLIAMENT, OUR OPPONENTS WILL CONTINUE WITH FURTHER ATTEMPTS -- EVEN U.S.-STYLE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS -- TO ROLL BACK THE CLOCK.

The best thing to do is to call, fax or write your MP with a personal note to ask them to vote for the government's equal marriage legislation. Even better, ask to meet with them. They are in their ridings this month of January, and opponents are taking this opportunity to meet with them. They need to see our faces too! Check out our LOBBY KIT.

In addition to taking action yourself, please tell your family and friends that the legislation is in jeopardy. Ask them to contact their MP and say they support the government’s equal marriage legislation.

Messages from families and friends are important, especially if they live in one of the ridings where their MP has not yet made up their mind on how they will vote. In ridings with supportive MPs, it’s also important for them to hear from us, so they know they’re not alone in their support.

It’s easy to find out where your MP stands. Just go to Step 1: MP ACTION

If you can’t tell family and friends in person, an easy way to let others know what’s happening is to follow Step 4: INVITE YOUR FRIENDS. With a few clicks of the mouse you can send them e-mails asking them to visit the CEM website.

We are only metres away from the marriage equality finish line. We can't stop now. Please help us reach the end of this race.

Please take action now. Follow CEM's four steps to victory. Phone, write or meet with your MP.

Just click on Step 1: MP Action, and go from there. You don’t need to know who your MP is. All you need is your postal code and our action website will find your MP.

Step 1: MP ACTION get MP info, then meet, call, write or e-mail your MP
Step 2: SIGN OUR PETITION voice your support for equal marriage
Step 3: DONATE TO CAMPAIGN our fight costs money
Step 4: INVITE YOUR FRIENDS, family and colleagues to visit our website

Take all four steps today!

Alex Munter
National Co-ordinator
Canadians for Equal Marriage