Let candidates answer abortion questionnaires!

Recently, the some of the pro-life community have noticed a disturbing trend of Conservative candidates being forced to refuse to answer questionnaires relating to fetal rights, abortion and other pro-life issues.

As you may know, these questionnaires are vital pieces of information as dedicated pro-lifers use this information to choose their candidates on Election Day.

Certain officials in the Conservative Party of Canada are pushing forward with an unwritten policy of forcing candidates, especially new candidates, to not answer these questionnaires.

I am certain that, if asked, Conservative Party officials will deny this. But actions speak louder than words. Even candidates will of course cover for the Party as well.

Recently, Dianne Haskett refused to answer the abortin questionnaire from Campaign Life Coalition. She was the only candidate to do so.

Though some may think that Dianne Haskett did it of her own volition, which may very well be the case, it's interesting to note that Ms. Haskett's campaign is heavily supported by social conservatives.

You would think she would be ready to oblige.

Why are written questionnaires important?

Because when candidates give an answer verbally, their answers are subject to spin and misinterpretation. They can be misleading based on differences of definition held in good faith. There are people who think that if they oppose late-term abortions, that makes them pro-life. Pro-lifers want to know exactly what a candidate thinks. Opinions can be given in the spirit of equivocation. For example, a candidate can state he is opposed to legalized abortion. However, he might allow for a "health" exception that makes his opposition to legalized abortion virtually meaningless.

Questionnaires can help pro-lifers pin down what precisely the candidate believes through process of elimination.

But this should not be of concern only to pro-lifers.

People who support other causes also want questionnaires answered.

Voters have the right to know what their candidates truly believe on issues of importance to them. The Conservative Party is not morally obligated to answer questionnaires, but how does refusing to do so contribute to transparency and accountability in government? People who have nothing to hide, hide nothing. If we act like we have a Hidden Agenda, people will think we have a Hidden Agenda.

If you feel strongly that ALL candidates of the Conservative Party should be allowed to answer abortion questionnaires, please contact the Conservative Party and express your opinion.

I also call upon all Canadian bloggers reading this to join this campaign and call on the Conservative Party to do away with the unwritten policy of not letting candidates answer abortion questionnaires.

UPDATE:

See also:

Smok Wawelski's Cave: Cards On the Table,Please, Mr Harper

SoCon or Bust: The Abortion Questionnaire: The Last Frontier .

Vek's Blog: Let Candidates Answer Abortion Questionnaires .

Dispel the illusion: Conservatives Refuse to Permit Candidates to Answer Abortion Questionnaires

The Black Kettle: Conservative Party of Canada Refusing to Permit Candidates to Answer Abortion Questionnaires. Also...ABORTION QUESTIONNAIRE: WHAT ARE THEY AFRAID OF?

Family Matters: Why I am not renewing my membership to the Conservative Party of Canada ALSO...Contact the Conservative Party National Council now!

Magic Statistics: Tory candidates not allowed to answer abortion questionnaires

Rural Rage with Country Sage: Abort the idea.

Contra|Diction: Message to the Conservative Party of Canada

Le ciel est bleu: Les candidats devraient être libres de répondre aux questionnaires sur l'avortement

Every Good and Perfect Gift Comes from Above:
Silencing of Social Conservatives: Democracy Harper's Way!

Dr. Roy's Thoughts: Avoiding the issue.

Patrick O'Neil's Pointed Pen: Harper's Achilles' Heel?

Deborah Gyapong: Why the Tory didn't win in London .