The MP for Portage-Lisgar expects next week's free vote on the issue of same-sex marriage will be a fair one.

Brian Pallister says the last time MP's voted on the issue, both NDP and Liberal MP's were told how to vote by their leaders.
He says Canadians can't respect decisions that are made if MP's are forced to vote against their own conscience.

Next week's motion is expected to ask MP's if they're willing to repeal or amend the law.
Pallister says a strong vote in favour of re-opening the gay marriage debate could lead to changes in the current legislation.

Same-sex marriage was formally recognized in legislation passed by the previous Liberal government after a series of court decisions struck down the old definition of marriage.