"I have no difficulty with the recognition of civil unions for non-traditional relationships but I believe in law we should protect the traditional definition of marriage"

In this quote, Stephen Harper is revealing his position on the concern of civil unions and conventional marital relationship. He states that he has no problem with acknowledging civil unions for non-traditional relationships, indicating that he supports equivalent rights for all individuals no matter their sexual orientation. However, he likewise thinks that the traditional definition of marriage must be protected by law. This recommends that he may hold conservative views on marital relationship and believes that it should just be in between a guy and a lady. Overall, Harper's statement reflects a balance between progressive and conventional values, acknowledging the importance of both in society.