Canadian Prime Minister Proposes Constitutional Amendment To Strengthen Religious Freedom

In Canada yesterday, the website of the Liberal Party reported that Prime Minister Paul Martin has proposed a constitutional amendment to end Parliament’s ability to invoke the "Notwithstanding Clause" in Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms which presently permits Parliament to override the Charter's protections-- including its guarantee of freedom of conscience and religion-- for up to 5 years. Under the proposal, provincial legislatures would still be able to invoke the clause.