The Ottawa Sun, November 20, 2000, Monday, Pg. 3

HEADLINE: LAY OFF STOCK'S BELIEFS, JEAN ORDERS

BYLINE: SEAN DURKAN, PARLIAMENTARY BUREAU

    Jean Chretien said yesterday he has told his campaign team to stop
criticizing Alliance Leader Stockwell Day's fundamental Christian beliefs.

    The prime minister appeared to try to justify the criticisms, which
exploded again last week over Day's strict creationist views.

   "I have said to everybody, 'calm down, go back to talk about the
programs.' "

    Chretien did not apologize for the attacks, however.

    He was specifically asked how he squares his political support for
abortion with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, which deems it
murder.

    "My personal conviction belongs to me," Chretien said, and pointed to
Liberals being ex-communicated from the Church 100 years ago when Sir
Wilfrid Laurier was prime minister.

    "My grandfather was refused Holy Communion because he was a Liberal at

one time.

    "So I always separate religion from society ... I don't want anybody
to impose their morality on me and I don't feel I can impose a morality on
others."