Liberals charged that PC head Patrick brown delayed the oath-taking of the 19-year-old in order to avoid the Brock University student voting against the new law. Oosterhoff was elected on Nov. 17, the same day Liberal MPP Nathalie Des Rosiers (Ottawa Vanier) was. However, the latter was sworn in on Monday and was present to cast her vote.
The pro-adoption teenager said he would definitely not have supported the legislation, claiming that it can create difficult scenarios down the road where the four parents can be litigating over the child. Social conservatives have been wary of the bill since it utilizes the term "parent" instead of "mother and father."
Asked if Oosterhoff should sit as an independent if he isn't going to show up for votes, Brown said he expects his new MPP to toe the party line. "Sam is a team player and we fully expect him to support the direction that I'm taking the party," he said, as per lfpress.
The All Families are Equal Act, the first update of the 1978 parentage laws, was passed on Tuesday. According to The Star, it means same-sex parents will no longer have to go to court and spend thousands to get legal recognition, allowing them to register births in the same way heterosexual couples do. The new legislation also means a birth parent can enter into a parenting agreement with up to three others before a child is conceived.
The pro-life politician was present at Queen's Park the whole Tuesday, making arrangements for his celebration with 60 family and friends the next day. The teenager was expecting 4 of his 7 siblings to arrive from Ottawa and Owen Sound. Both of his grandparents from Niagara West-Glanbrook also made the trip.
Despite him calling the parenting bill "horrible legislation," Oosterhoff noted that he believes all parents need to be respected. "Anyone who takes it upon themselves to be a parent should be commended because it's a sacrificial job," he said.
What are thoughts on Canada's new parenting bill? Sound off below.
