Wish our government would focus on more important issues. Not sure how changing the national anthem improves my or anybody else's life. Next, maybe we should change our flag again to made it more inclusive?
I second this sentiment. As a female, I realize that in the English language, the default sex when speaking of more than one party is ALWAYS MALE. Ie 'Mankind', 'For the betterment of Man', 'In any situation both parties will agree to follow the rules handed to him.' etc etc etc etc. There seriously is much much more pressing matters than this which anyone who is sane will realize is a moot, useless, redundant and counter-productive move. I don't need to be babied or patronized, have my hand held and have my gender be specifically recognized. We are all SONS and always have been. Its the way the language works. Stop whining because all it shows is insecurity in who you are. Sigh... what a waste of the governments' time.
Although I feel the reference to God is a different matter entirely. Personally it doesn't bother me. But this country is about freedom of belief so belief in God shouldn't be imposed on those who don't believe in a God of any kind. In terms of specific reference to a religion, as in the French version, that's even less inclusive and Canada is multi-cultural. If something was going to be changed, it should've been that instead of changing a gender-neutral lyric into words even those who don't understand the way the language works and wish to knit-pick can now see as gender-neutral. For me, one is exclusive while the other isn't. However, I still think that we have more important matters to deal with than lyrics to the anthem.
Hope I didn't offend anyone. Its just my opnion. Its impossible to make everyone happy but I'm tired of the gov avoiding the crucial issues.