Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie has come out in strong opposition to the controversial Bill 207 that would reassert the Charter-protected freedom of conscience and religion for health providers.

At a UCP constituency function last night, Guthrie was highly critical of the private member's bill introduced by UCP MLA Dan Williams, of Peace River.

"I do not and will not support this bill," he said to robust applause.

"This bill is wrong. It's open to so many issues. People already have the freedom of conscious, they already have freedom of religion. This is not necessary. This just adds red tape."

He said the government has said it would not get involved in these type of discussions and pointed out it was brought forward as a private member's bill.

"Primarily, this bill will cause division and hurt and it does nothing to unified people, as individuals, as a society, from a humanitarian standpoint. I do not see how a bill like this advances our lives. It only complicates it, and I will not support it."

Introduced last week, Bill 207 would not only let Alberta doctors refuse to advise or assist on things they object to due to for personal or religious beliefs — like abortions, contraception or medically assisted death — but also drops the current obligation that they steer patients elsewhere for help.

Guthrie was criticized for voting in favour of giving the bill first reading.

He says he will continue to vote in favour of giving any bill first reading, no matter where it originates, including from ranks of the Official Opposition. He says voting for first reading is essentially agreeing to read a bill before formulating an opinion.