EDITORIAL


What have you done for me lately?

EGALE reviews the parties' records on lesbigay rights


   EGALE believes that most politicians have given little serious
thought to most sexual orientation issues. We also believe that
lesbians, bisexuals and gay men -- and indeed, all Canadians --
have a right to know where the parties stand on these issues.
   This is why we sent a detailed questionnaire on sexual
orientation issues to all Members of Parliament earlier this year.
We believe the results will be of considerable interest to lesbian
and gay voters as they cast their ballots this fall. 
   As we review the policies of the political parties, let us also
remember that, in politics, past actions are usually the best
indicator of future behaviour.

Conservative record appalling 

   We believe the federal Conservatives' record on sexual
orientation issues over the past decade has been appalling. The
Mulroney government has made no progress whatsoever on lesbian and
gay rights beyond what was required by court rulings. In fact, the
Tories have repeatedly spent our tax dollars opposing our rights in
court.
   Kim Campbell's proposed amendments to the Canadian Human Rights
Act (Bill C-108) would restrict the rights of same-sex couples.
There can be little doubt that Campbell feels obliged to appease
right-wing caucus colleagues who have considerable influence in the
Conservative party.
   Conservative MPs say they support "Canada's concept of the
family," a concept that apparently excludes us. In a pluralistic
country like Canada, it is ludicrous to suggest there is only one
acceptable family model.
   Campbell calls her bill a "compromise." We believe there can be
no compromise when it comes to the rights of our families.

Can you say gay, Jean?

   The Liberal position on lesbian and gay rights is only slightly
more encouraging. It is vague and evasive, full of noble-sounding
words, but short on solid commitments. Why, for example, have the
Liberals refused to take a stand on the marital status definition
in Bill C-108? It seems clear that the Liberal caucus is divided,
and Opposition Leader Jean Chr‚tien has failed to show the
leadership needed to develop a consensus on this issue. 
   Chr‚tien notes in his questionnaire response that the Trudeau
government decriminalized homosexuality and introduced the Charter
of Rights. These were major milestones in the struggle for lesbian
and gay rights in Canada.
   But as the song says, what have you done for me lately?
   We are particularly disturbed that Chr‚tien has never spoken
publicly on sexual orientation issues since becoming leader. As far
as we know, he has never said the words lesbian and gay in public.
   We hope this election provides an opportunity for the Liberal
leader to expand his vocabulary.

Thanks Audrey

   In sharp contrast to the other major parties, the NDP has
responded with a clear YES to all of EGALE's questions on sexual
orientation issues. For that, the New Democrats must be commended.
   In particular, we salute gay MP Svend Robinson, who has been an
articulate and courageous advocate for our community.
   We are also convinced of Audrey McLaughlin's sincere commitment
to lesbian and gay rights. We encourage her to speak out on these
issues during this election.
   Of course the difficulty in assessing the NDP is that they have
never formed a federal government. They have never had to deliver
on their promises. Voters might want to consider the records of NDP
governments in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Ontario as some
indication of the party's commitment to our community.

New kids on the block/bloc

   Bloc Quebecois Leader Lucien Bouchard asked MP Gilles Duceppe to
repond to the EGALE questionnaire. Duceppe answered YES to 14 out
of 17 questions. If this represents official Bloc policy, we're
impressed.
   Reform Party leader Preston Manning has also declined to
complete our questionnaire. However, he has publicly stated his
view that "homosexuality is destructive to the individual, and in
the long run, society." We think that says it all.
   Finally, we were delighted to learn of the solid commitment to
lesbian and gay rights of National Party leader Mel Hurtig.
   
Important choices

   EGALE is not endorsing any party or candidate in this election.
Instead we aim to provide voters with the information they need to
make their own choices. We know that all parties receive support
from lesbian, bisexual and gay voters. We think it is in our
community's best interests to have enlightened allies in all the
parties.
   Whatever your decision, we encourage you to get involved in this
election. We will continue to be ignored unless we make our
presence felt throughout this campaign.
   Let's make our voices heard, because we'll be living with the
results of this election for years to come.  


767 words