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Opponents of abortion not welcome to run for Liberals in next election: Trudeau

Justin Trudeau says opponents of abortion need not apply to run for the Liberal party in the next election.

OTTAWA — Justin Trudeau says opponents of abortion need not apply to run for the Liberal party in the next election.

And if they do apply, the Liberal leader says they’ll be weeded out during the vetting process for nomination applications.

Trudeau says the Liberals now support abortion rights and all candidates in the next election will be expected to adhere to that position.

However, he says an exception is being made for incumbent opponents of abortion who became MPs before the party officially adopted a pro-choice stance, such as Toronto MP John McKay.

Until two years ago, Liberals did not have a party position on abortion, considering it a matter of conscience that should be left to each individual.

As a result, MPs opposed to abortion have traditionally formed a strong, vocal minority in the Liberal caucus.