Angry in the Great White North

It seems to be common knowledge that the Conservatives will let the budget go through but are insisting on the same-sex marriage legislation (bill C-38) be delayed until the fall.

Personally, I think this is a glib characterization, and the true dynamics of what is going on are probably much more subtle (see here and here).

But what I find fascinating is that, for once it seems, Stephen Harper is not being painted as the villain of the piece, even though he admits he wants C-38 delayed:

[Prime Minister Paul Martin] now says any delay is the opposition's fault. And Tory Leader Stephen Harper agrees.

"I'll gladly take credit for being the one party leader who's opposed to this legislation," Harper said.

"We're not going to make their job easy when we don't agree with their legislation."

Instead, it's Paul Martin who is taking the heat:

Same-sex advocates and the NDP heaped scorn on the possible delay. And they weren't buying Martin's attempt to blame the Tories.

"Talk about an abdication of leadership," said NDP Leader Jack Layton.

"What kind of commitment has (Martin) got to human rights? . . . I call upon him to lead."

A prominent gay-rights advocate also called into question the prime minister's gumption.

"The government can pass the equal marriage legislation if (it) wants to," said Alex Munter of Canadians For Equal Marriage.

"That's where the question of leadership comes in."

Ironically, Stephen Harper might be feeling a bit cheated. "Hey, I'm delaying the bill. It's me. Me!"