Pro-"gay," anti-faith, anti-integrity media attack MLA Ted Morton.

Edmonton -- A provincial private member's bill that would have protected Albertans who oppose homosexual activity from fines or discrimination charges was killed after Liberal and NDP opposition members commandeered the time available for private member's bills with procedural matters; and after departing Premier Ralph Klein failed to endorse the efforts of his fellow Progressive Conservative. Speaker Ken Kowalski chastised opposition MLA's "'tyranny of the assembly against private members (Canadian Press, Aug. 28, 2006)."

MLA Ted Morton had introduced Bill 208 last April. LiFeSiteNews.com reported that the "Protection of Fundamental Freedoms (Marriage) Statutes Amendment Act would have permitted marriage commissioners to opt out of performing homosexual 'marriages,' and required schools to obtain parental permission before introducing material on homosexuality in the classroom. As well, persons would have been protected from fines or other charges for speaking out against homosexuality (Aug. 29, 2006)."

A contender for his party's leadership, Morton has pledged to continue seeking protection for those who oppose homosexuality if he becomes premier. (The other leadership candidates supported the bill.) But the Edmonton Journal attempted to preempt Morton's bid for leadership with a vicious op-ed article, mocking what it predicted would be an attempt on his part to don "a cloak of political martyrdom" over the opposition's stalling tactics (Aug. 29, 2006).

Morton is continuing his leadership campaign, and planning a "'cleansing' from the Klein patronage machine" reported the Calgary Sun. The Sun nevertheless promoted a weaker candidate (Aug. 29, 2006). Morton's challenge of integrity may help explain why Klein repeatedly gave Morton the dubious advice that the bill would not withstand a constitutional challenge (Edmonton Sun, Aug. 26, 2006). In fact, "Alberta Justice officials quietly admit that there [is] nothing to prevent Morton or the province from levelling the playing field between gay rights and religious freedom (Tor. Sun, Aug. 30, 3006)."

Editor: It is curious that the mainstream media, which have long wanted Klein gone, have now collectively targetted his most promising successor. "Ted Morton should never become the premier of Alberta," proclaimed the Calgary Herald in its "Give up on the anti-gay rant" piece, August 31, 2006. The major Alberta newspapers seem to be collaborating with this message.