Apparently, some in the right are making a big hoo-haa about the fact that the free vote over equal marriage isn't going to be "free", because Cabinet ministers won't have free hands.
Now, it's my understanding that Cabinet members never get free votes. It's called cabinet solidarity, and like it or not it's a crucial part to a working government in a parliamentary system. The government votes as one. End of story. So to complain about it not being "totally free" is similar to saying that we're all subjects of the Queen. Technically true, but really meaningless.
(And, as always, if there's an exception to cabinet solidarity that I don't know about, please enlighten me.)
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I have zero problem with Martin forcing Cabinet solidarity on this issue. And cabinet solidarity is an essential component of our political system. However, it is not necessary for every vote in a Westminster Parliament (at least in our varient). There have been at least a few free votes where even Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries could vote their heart. These votes have been over "matters of conscience" (e.g. capital punishment, abortion) and not issues of confidence.
Now, these votes have been "free" to varying degrees. Even when Cabinet members where supposedly allowed to go their own way they sometimes voted en masse without exception. Of course, in any deliberative body, no vote is truly free. There will always be pressure to join one voting block or another.
Additionally, under Martin's "Three-Line" voting system totally free votes are explicitely allowed. See:
http://www.pco-bcp.gc.ca/default.asp?Language=E&Page=Publications&doc=dr-rd/dr-rd_doc_e.htm
Quote:
"Effective immediately, the government will use a new system to classify votes for its own Members.
On one-line free votes, all government MPs, including Ministers, will be free to vote as they see fit.
Two-line free votes are votes on which the government will take a position and recommend a preferred outcome to its caucus. Ministers are bound to support the government's position on a Two-line vote, as are Parliamentary Secretaries of Ministers affected by it, but other Members are free to vote as they wish.
A Three-line vote will be for votes of confidence and for a limited number of matters of fundamental importance to the government. Government Members will be expected to support the government."
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