Out into the backyard to pick worms

It's obligatory, I suppose, to mention that federal Liberal Pat O'Brien (an Ontario member of Parliament) quit the ruling party today to sit as an independent. O'Brien can't stand the thought of gay marriage (or the thought of something gay, anyway).

"He accused Martin of breaking a promise that there would be expanded debate of the marriage bill. The 'full and fair' debate he expected has not happened, he said, and the government is doing everything it can to force the legislation through."

I don't know what rock O'Brien's been hiding under -- the rest of us can't seem to get away from same-sex marriage talk, debate, discussion, dispute, polemic, controversy, dissension, disagreement, disputation, deliberation, consideration, contemplation, contestation, arguing, contention, struggle and wrangling. Not to mention cogitation.


ADDENDUM, posted the next day: "Paul Martin met secretly last night with a dozen Liberal MPs opposed to his government's same-sex marriage legislation after suffering the resignation of MP Pat O'Brien from the party over the issue. Sources told CanWest News that Mr. Martin listened to the concerns of the anxious MPs, who were encouraging him to consider amendments to Bill C-38 that would aim to provide more protection for religious institutions that refuse to perform same-sex weddings.

"'It was a discussion about how to amend the legislation and about timelines,' said one MP who spoke on the condition of anonymity. 'The majority of amendments proposed were around provincial jurisdiction ... how the government of Canada could negotiate with the provinces to protect religious institutions.'

"The Prime Minister, after hearing from his MPs, promised to get back to them 'within 24 to 48 hours,' said the source. Sources said they did not know if the PM is willing to back off his timeline of pushing this legislation through before the Commons breaks for summer vacation.....

"The Liberals appear rattled by Mr. O'Brien's decision to sit as an Independent and want to prevent more MPs from leaving the party.... Mr. O'Brien, a strong advocate of maintaining the traditional definition of marriage as between a man and a woman, would not rule out voting with the Conservatives, who also oppose gay marriage, and said there are others among the 34 Liberals who voted against it in April who are just as determined to ensure the legislation is defeated."