CAN’T WE JUST INVITE LIBERALS INSTEAD?

Backlash forces Conservatives to rethink plan to avoid social issues debate (Dan Dugas, Canadian Press, March 9th, 2005)

A backlash has forced Conservative leaders to retreat from a plan to avoid debate on hot-button social issues such as gay marriage and abortion at the party's convention next week.

Leader Stephen Harper said Wednesday that the rules committee will look at reinterpreting motions so delegates can speak to the questions.

MP Gary Lunn, the rules committee chairman for the March 17-19 Montreal convention, acknowledged the original plan was flawed, and not very popular with the rank and file.

"The caucus (and) delegates were saying: 'Well, why can't we have this discussion.'

"I listened to all that and said, `OK, you know what, why not, maybe we made a mistake here.''

Party officials wouldn't say how many calls they took from members unhappy with the prospect of bypassing debate on the issues, except to say it was substantial.

The party had planned to stop debate if a motion allowing MPs to vote their conscience on social issues in Parliament was passed by delegates. They argued that made all other debate unnecessary.

Dear Lord, please deliver us from conservative leaders who are embarrassed by conservatives.