Equality before the law should not be a pretext to deny differentiation, the Cana Movement said today as it entered the controversy over the wording used in amendments to the marriage law.
The law is being amended to formally introduce same-sex marriage. References to fathers and mothers are being removed.
The movement said every person, regardless of his sexual orientation or life preferences should be treated with utmost dignity.
But, whereas it is the legislator’s duty to regulate different forms of relationships, this is not a justification to redefine marriage or attempt to alter the nature of marriage.
"Marriage was, is and remains a life- long union between one man and one woman which by its nature is intended towards the procreation of children and the well-being of spouses. Neither should the proposed law promote deletion of references to man and woman, husband and wife, both of which have important and complementary roles in the procreation and bringing up of children," Cana said.
It appears that the draft law is the precursor to practices such as gamete donation and surrogacy which consider children as a right of parents rather than a gift of life.
"Laws which distinguish between different forms of relationships such as co-habitation, civil unions and marriage are not discriminatory. On the contrary they acknowledge and respect differences, particularly in a society which celebrates pluralism and diversity."
Cana said the state is duty bound to consider the best interests of children.
"Gay marriage discriminates against children, as it deprives them of having both a father and a mother," it insisted.
"Members of Parliament are duty bound to consider whether the proposed law exceeds the electoral mandate. In fact besides introducing gay marriage, it appears that the draft law is the precursor to practices such as gamete donation and surrogacy which consider children as a right of parents rather than a gift of life."
The movement urged politicians to continue introducing measures to strengthen families. In so doing, legislators should seek to enact just laws, which respect the truth, promote human dignity and the good of society as a whole.