It’s official, the Conservative Party of Canada is no longer opposed to same sex marriage.
That’s after a vote among party delegates at the CPC Convention in Vancouver this weekend.
Great to be in #YVR with thousands of Conservative friends at #CPC16, hearing brilliant interim leader @RonaAmbrose pic.twitter.com/CpSfxZe0xv
— Jason Kenney (@jkenney) May 27, 2016
A little more than 1,000 delegates voted to remove sections of the party handbook defining marriage as between a man and a woman.
It was not a unified decision, with 462 delegates voting against the motion.
Equal marriage passed! Congrats to @LGBToryCanada @CPC_HQ and all of @Canada! #Vancouver #cpc16 #pcp16 #bcpoli #lgbt pic.twitter.com/p3yBOnJkj2
— CPC Vancouver Centre (@VanCentreCPC) May 28, 2016
Conservative voters were split on the subject as well, with some taking to social media proclaiming their disappointment at what they saw as a watering down of traditional Conservative policies.
Not all Conservative voters were opposed to the changes however.
However, many prominent Conservatives took to social media showing their support for the change, including leadership hopeful Maxime Bernier.
He said it was all about freedom, and being fair to everyone.
Glad to speak in favor of FREEDOM. @LGBToryCanada Government has no place in people’s bedroom. #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/0W2USIfydw
— Maxime Bernier (@MaximeBernier) May 28, 2016
LGBTQ groups across the country expressed their pleasure at the long awaited decision from the CPC.
#LGBTory Vice President @EDLorenzen on the importance of recognizing marriage equality. #cpc16 @VanCentreCPC #Pride pic.twitter.com/lZTIm17zmI
— LGBTory Canada (@LGBToryCanada) May 29, 2016
