Harper slaps Lerant and fires the opening salvo in the Tory civil war

From the PMO website:

Statement from the Prime Minister on issue of free speech and controversial caricatures

February 14, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement:

“Free speech is a right that all Canadians enjoy; Canadians also have the right to voice their opinion on the free speech of others. I regret the publication of this material in several media outlets. While we understand this issue is divisive, our government wishes that people be respectful of the beliefs of others. I commend the Canadian Muslim community for voicing its opinion peacefully, respectfully and democratically.”

Although I agree with Harper that Lerant is being unnecessarily provocative and taking great glee from rubbing Muslims' noses in it, issuing this release is going to open a major schism within the Conservative party. I also have to ask why Harper is patting Muslims on the back for simply doing what they should be expected to do as citizens of this country.