Harper Re-opening SSM Debate

Stephen Harper is fulfilling his promise to his party's social-conservative base by having a vote to reopen the question of same-sex marriage. Given the current make-up of parliament, it seems very likely that he will lose.

This should already be a dead issue, and one would hope that it would be finally and completely dead after this next vote. Apparently that may not be the case. As described in today's Globe and Mail editorial:

As well, sources in the Harper government have said there is "protection of marriage" legislation waiting in the wings, to be introduced if this week's motion fails. It would give civil marriage officials the right to refuse to perform gay marriages on religious grounds. In other words, assuming it could survive a Charter challenge and was not outside federal jurisdiction, it would legalize discrimination and champion the shirking of a public duty by public officials. Mr. Harper would neither confirm nor deny the existence of this draft legislation. That's a bad sign.

In any case, someone should ask Harper whether the Conservatives will reopen this issue yet again if they win a majority. When will the issue be considered settled?