The high-profile cabinet minister, who is considered a likely contender for leadership of the Conservative Party some time down the road, indicated Monday that he would vote in favour of the motion even though his boss Stephen Harper has promised to vote against it .
“I have said I will vote in favour of the motion and I respect all the point of views of all the ministers and all the MPs,” he said Monday.
“I think we can have a respectful debate on this question and, like I said, the big tradition of all parties in government is to allow a free vote on questions of conscience.”
MPs will vote on Motion 312 on Wednesday.
The private member’s motion tabled by backbencher Conservative Stephen Woodworth calls on Parliament to study the point at which a fetus becomes a human being.
Proponents argue the courts never settled the matter, that the current definition of who is a human being is outdated and that the motion merely calls for a study, the results of which are non-binding.
Critics, however, say the motion is nothing but a backdoor attempt to reopen the abortion debate by those who want to criminalize it.
While supported by a number of other backbenchers, few high-profile Tories have spoken out in favour of the motion. Even Woodworth conceded last week that the motion would probably be defeated.
New Democrats and a number of Liberals have said they would not support the motion.
Original Article
Source: canada.com
Author: Tobi Cohen
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