Liberal MP introduces war resisters bill

Liberal MP introduces war resisters bill

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/697332

Sep 17, 2009

THE CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA – A Liberal MP has introduced a private member's bill aimed at
letting American "war resisters" stay in Canada.

Gerard Kennedy's bill would allow foreign military deserters – or
those who refuse mandatory military service – to stay in Canada if
their action is based on "sincere moral, political or religious objection."

MPs have already voted twice to support war resisters, but that was
through motions that are not binding on the government.

Kennedy's bill would be binding because it would amend the
Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Private members' bills rarely become law, but passage is more likely
in the current minority government situation.

Most war resisters in Canada are U.S. military personnel who have
refused to participate in the Iraq War on the grounds that it's
illegal and immoral.

At least two have already been deported to the U.S.

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