"The facts are plain: Religious leaders who preside over marriage ceremonies must and will be guided by what they believe. If they do not wish to celebrate marriages for same-sex couples, that is their right. The Supreme Court says so. And the Charter says so"
- Paul Martin
About this Quote
This quote by Paul Martin is referring to the Supreme Court's choice to promote the right of religious leaders to decline to carry out same-sex marital relationships. Martin is stressing that spiritual leaders have the right to follow their beliefs and not be required to carry out same-sex marital relationships if they do not want to do so. He is likewise pointing out that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects this right. This quote is a suggestion that religious flexibility is an important part of Canadian society and ought to be respected. It is also a suggestion that the Supreme Court has the power to safeguard the rights of religious leaders and make sure that they are not forced to do something that breaks their beliefs.