VoteSecular Response: Bob Deptuck, Green Party of Canada, Souris-Moose Mountain
Bob Deptuck, Green Party of Canada, Souris-Moose Mountain
Secularism
1. Do you support the separation of religion and state, and government neutrality in all matters between believer and non-believer?
I do support government neutrality in matters between believer and non-believer. Separation of state and religion is more difficult as generations of past Canadians and a large majority of Canadian are still of some faith.
Freedom of Speech
2. Do you believe there should be any legal limits on the criticism of religious opinion in the public square?
Yes there should be legal limits to the criticism of religious opinion or of non-religious opinion as that criticism may stray into hate speech.
3. Would you support repealing the law against blasphemy in the Criminal Code of Canada?
The law against blasphemy is still on the books but has not been prosecuted since 1935. Currently the law contravenes the charter of rights and freedoms and when possible should be repealed.
Religious accommodations
4. “What is your position on granting people exemptions from neutral, generally applicable laws and policies based on their religious beliefs (e.g. religious accommodation)?
We tread on dangerous ground when we force our belief systems on another. If possible accommodation should be made to respect to anyones belief system. i.e.Atheists are not required to swear on the bible.
Charity status
5. Do you support granting an organization tax-exempt charitable status for the sole purpose of the “advancement of religion”, if such an organization undertakes no other charitable activity such as feeding the poor?
I will need to research this one more before giving an answer.
Anthem
6. Would you support an amendment to the National Anthem Act to remove the reference to “God” in the lyrics of O Canada?
No. I would not support the amendment as the majority of Canadians, my constituents and myself believe in God.
Charter of Rights and Freedoms
7. Would you support an amendment to the preamble of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to remove the reference to the “supremacy of God”?
No. I would not support the amendment as the majority of Canadians, my constituents and myself believe in God.
Religious law
8. What position do you hold concerning the legally-binding use by religious communities of separate religious courts (e.g. in family law)?
As long as those courts do not contravene established Canadian Law and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The legal system is to benefit society and the means of accomplishing that benefit should be flexible for all Canadians.
Medicine and Health
9. Do you support the requirement that all products labeled “medicine”, including homeopathic or naturopathic remedies, be required to pass the same rigorous testing as pharmaceuticals?
Currently any products making claims of benefit must prove those. Consumers should be aware of their responsibilities.Medicine is not a term that should applied only to scientifically proven chemistry. (Laughter is the best medicine)
10. Do you support vaccination as a good public health measure?
Yes I support Vaccination.