Mediaboss Marketing

Justin Trudeau is trying to contain the political damage flowing from his decision to force new Liberal MPs to vote for abortion rights, telling troubled supporters his party remains open to Canadians with opposing views.

In a letter on Monday, the Liberal Leader acknowledged his policy may have come as a surprise when he laid it out to the media two weeks ago. While party officials said Mr. Trudeau always intended to get new MPs to adhere to a pro-choice agenda, the reaction was negative in many quarters. The Liberal Party used to allow free votes on the matter and had a large anti-abortion caucus when it was in power.

The Liberal Party wants to clarify that the policy is designed to ensure that Liberals vote as one in the House of Commons, while remaining open to members with a diversity of views on the matter. Party officials feel their policy has been misreported and wrongly portrayed as closing the door to all candidates who oppose abortion in the next election.

To those [that the policy] has troubled: I understand, Mr. Trudeau wrote to party members. I empathize, and I care deeply that you are working hard to reconcile your beliefs with this Party policy.

Canadians of all views are welcome within the Liberal Party of Canada. But under my leadership, incoming Liberal MPs will always vote in favour of a womans fundamental rights, he added.

The NDP accused the Liberal Party of taking a half-hearted stand in favour of abortion rights, as Mr. Trudeau allowed current MPs to continue to vote against abortion rights.

NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair said all of his MPs will continue to support abortion rights, and his party even contemplated bringing a vote on the issue of abortion in the House to highlight current divisions in the Liberal caucus.

The Conservatives, meanwhile, have pointed out their MPs are free to vote according to their conscience on the matter, even though Prime Minister Stephen Harper has frequently stated his government will not reopen the abortion debate.

Ours is a big party where we understand the Canadian people have different, often conflicting views, on issues like this. Deeply held views. And all such views are welcome in the Conservative Party of Canada, Mr. Harper said last week.

The Roman Catholic archbishop of Toronto has criticized Mr. Trudeaus position, saying political authority should not extend to matters of conscience and faith.

Follow this link:
Liberals open to anti-abortion views, Trudeau says