THE TORY government could introduce legislative changes to enhance protections for those who oppose same-sex marriage on religious or moral grounds if MPs don't pass a motion to reopen the contentious debate.

The motion, which stems from an election pledge by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, is expected to give MPs a clear-cut question on whether Parliament should revisit the issue -- not poll the moral stand of each MP on gay marriage.

Pressure from Christian-based lobby groups is expected to mount in the run-up to the vote. If the motion is lost, as is widely expected, legislative measures could be tabled to enhance protections, such as freedom of speech on religious or moral grounds, another government source suggested.

"In the event the vote confirms the status quo, the government is under increasing pressure from religious and other groups to protect their right to freedom of speech and protection from prosecution from gay rights' groups," the Tory said.

Conservative and Liberal MPs will have a free vote, while NDP and Bloc Quebecois MPs must toe the party line and oppose any move to revisit the same-sex marriage law.

Brian Rushfeldt, executive director of the Canada Family Action Coalition, said opponents will be revving up a campaign to sway undecided MPs. Full-page ads and radio spots will urge citizens to lobby their MP to help restore the traditional definition of marriage.

"It's not any more difficult than unravelling the law that we did have, with exclusive one man, one woman," Rushfeldt said. "It got unravelled with one simple undemocratic vote."

Liberal whip Karen Redman expects most Grits will oppose the motion -- including some who preferred the traditional definition of marriage. Many believe Parliament has already dealt with the issue and it should be left to rest, she said.

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