Free vote, shmee vote

On abortion, it seemed Harper had found a way to square the circle: the party itself would not take a stand on abortion, his government would not introduce legislation on it, but nothing said that individual members could not bring the issue before Parliament in a free vote. That was, until now:

Harper also faced questions from reporters Tuesday on claims that the Tories harbour a secret agenda to reopen the abortion debate. On Monday, Dr. Henry Morgentaler, the father of the pro-choice movement in Canada, had said Conservatives can't be trusted on the abortion issue. But Harper maintained he "won't be initiating or supporting abortion legislation."

"I'll use whatever influence I have in Parliament to be sure that such a matter doesn't come to a vote," he added.

Now, I supported Harper's original stance. You can only take a position as a party on issues on which you are agreed as a party. Where a party is deeply divided, as on abortion, it is only appropriate to leave it to individual members to decide.

But Harper's new promise to "use whatever influence I have" to prevent it coming to a vote can only be read as a threat to members who follow their conscience on this matter: if you bring the subject up, you will be punished. So the "moderate" status quo -- no abortion law of any kind -- will remain in effect, by order of the prime minister. UPDATE: The Pro-Lifers are not happy. This is going to cause Harper a mess of trouble.