Ottawa, Canada, Apr 11, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Organizers are calling it the largest-ever demonstration on Parliament Hill. Holding placards and chanting “Defend marriage,” between 15,000 and 20,000 Canadians converged on Parliament Hill April 9 to protest the Liberal government’s same-sex marriage bill.
Muslims, Jews and Sikhs, stood alongside Christians of all denominations. The lawn in front of the House of Commons was a sea of blue and white “Defend Marriage” posters, printed by the Knights of Columbus and held by people of all faiths, ages and ethnicities.
Catholic groups were strongly represented at the rally. Among the many groups were the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Women’s League, Marriage Encounter, Couples for Christ and numerous parishes. Papal flags, and posters of Pope John Paul II waved in the air.
More than 20 speakers, including grassroots leaders and members of Parliament—both Liberal and Conservative—took to the microphone.