Won’t be muzzled, Bishop promises

ALBERTA Cleric vows to address issues But will refrain from taking sides

CALGARY— An outspoken Roman Catholic bishop in Alberta says federal laws banning partisan attacks from the pulpit won’t muzzle him during the election should the need to speak out arise.

Fred Henry says he is cautious about appearing partisan, but adds if any of the parties take aim at the religious community’s freedom of expression, he won’t stand idle.

“ If somebody does make some outrageous, stupid comment I’m liable to be there, Elections Act or no Elections Act, if there’s a misinterpretation of the separation of church and state,” he said. Henry said he was threatened by Revenue Canada with losing his diocese’s tax-free charitable status during the 2004 campaign when he criticized Prime Minister Paul Martin — a Catholic — for his failure to oppose abortion and same- sex marriage.

Recently, Henry was embroiled in complaints brought before the Alberta Human Rights Commission following his public comments opposing same- sex marriage, of which at least one was later dropped. One of the complaints was launched after Henry wrote a letter to his parishioners last spring comparing homosexuality to prostitution, adultery and pornography. Henry applauded Conservative Leader Stephen Harper’s vow last week to hold a free vote that could re-open the same-sex marriage debate if he forms the next government. But unless confronted, Henry said he would steer clear of any semblance of taking sides in the election campaign. He said that would include refusing to say Grace at a campaign function for either Harper or Martin. Henry slammed the section of the Elections Act placing limits on religious leaders speaking out on political matters.

“ It needs to be revised — it’s used very much to muzzle people like me,” said Henry.