It's pretty much the same for me... I quit the Conservatives after they drifted to the further right - and became the home of religious fundamentalism... but the other parties don't really support my views. So I get criticized for being to conservative on some issues (military, monarchy, education) or too liberal on other issues (health care, foreign policy, privitzation) - the difference is that I try and approach each issue not as how it applies to me or my beliefs, but rather how it applies to the country (and to some extent the rest of the world).

So while from the point of my faith I reject same-sex marriage - as part of my religious beliefs... however I also see the civil rights of homosexuals as vitally important to the fundamental nature of Canadian culture and beliefs (equal rights for all). So I'm very pleased that religious institutions can decide what approach to take to same-sex marriage, while granting the legal rights to homosexuals that us hetreosexuals enjoy. In effect the right for civil unions has been firmly legalized, with the possibilty for some faiths to recognize the unions on their own terms...

As for what effect this legislation will have on Canadian society I can't really predict - no one really can - but in the short term I can't really see it having that much of an impact (at least in the urban centres).. in fact look at the comments about the gay wedding show - it's just like any other wedding show, not really that interesting. As for long term impact it all depends on how divisive the issue becomes during the next couple of elections.

I too am a "casualty" of the PC-Alliance merger. At one point in my life I supported and voted for the Progressive Conservatives, and wish they or a party like them still existed. I am more conservative when it comes to military and the economy, but more liberal in regards to health care, education, etc. But until such a party resurfaces, I feel the Liberals uphold my beliefs and values.

I don't understand how or why gay people are attracted to each other, but that it their peroggative. I live in one of the most gay friendly places on earth and it doesn't affect me in any way, shape or form.

I am getting married in 6 weeks - it takes nothing away from that, that gay people can also marry, heck they've been allowed to marry in BC for a few years now.

Many people mention talk about the sanctity of marriage being ruined if gay people can marry - hello! I think many heterosexuals have already made a mockery of marriage.

Agreed. The idea of a traditional "nuclear family" died out when the divorce rate started going up... and how can we go back to that when we have celebs that can't seem to go thru life without at least two major publicized break-ups.

I figure it doesn't hurt my chance to be married to my future hubby, so why should I worry about if homosexuals are able to claim each other as their power of attorney and share medical benefits?

Well this place is not my home (I just happened to be married to Mr. 1228, who is from here), I have never considered it to be but...I am proud of Canada for taking this step

I am hella happy about this! Folx having sense enough to keep out of consenting adults lives and bedrooms!
However, I am the only one in my immediate family who feels this way (I have a Pentacostal mother in law) :rolleyes:

Hurrah Hurrah for Canada!
 

In 20 to 30 years our children will look back on this debate and see it as silly as when cross-racial or cross-religious marriages were considered strictly taboo. "How silly the government would ban such a thing?", our children will say, and we'll smile for we were alive when it changed.

I actually listened to the final night of debate and the vote on CPAC. My heart filled with pride when the bill passed third reading. What a wonderful country we live in!

Yes, some people say we're getting to liberal, and they are entitled to their views, but I am so looking forward to the day I get to see my GLBT friends marry who they love.

What a beautiful bill. What a beautiful country. Parliament gave us a great gift for Canada's birthday: equality in marriage.

I'm satisfied. I suppose. I kind of don't see the point in marriage at all right now, but hey, if two people can get married it shouldn't matter which two (as long as it's not incest).

Taualumna, I can understand what you're saying. Because the majority right now is liberal-minded, you do have a tough time. I do believe that despite all the "preaching" on tolerance by the left, many liberals forget to be tolerant of the Right. My best friends are conservative and I'm very far-left, but we still manage to get along :) In general, I do have to make a strong effort though when talking about religion since I wish it didn't exist at all. (but I recognize that stems from my personal experience)


Anyway, a couple years out of highschool I ran into a friend, here's the convo:
[walking along downtown, ca. 1998]
"Hi jen"
"Oh, hey, Jay, how's it going?"
"good, just got married this summer"
"oh really? that's great"
"yeah, to him [gestures to guy standing next to him, I didn't know he was gay]"
"oh terrific"
(converstation continued)

So gays have been using the word marriage for plenty of years, even when it wasn't recognized.

yay for canada!!!

But yes, we Liberals often criticize Conservatives for doing what we do often to them.

I could have cited the same conversation between me and a friend in the military... a friend I have seen under fire and someone I respect deeply... the fact that he is gay doesn't matter - the fact that he is a friend, and in love does.

Oh, Canada?;)

Senate Approves Same-Sex Marriage Bill
 

Senate votes 47-21 to approve Liberal government's same-sex bill

(CP) - One of the most raucous debates in Canadian history resulted in a vote late Tuesday that made Canada the fourth country to sanction same-sex marriage. More

Rest of the article is here:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/cpress/20050...enate_same_sex


Anyway, what do you think of the Tory comments that we'll have this debate all over again if they win the next federal election?

Well it's almost done... except for the Royal assent, which is really just a formality...

I can see this coming up again in the up next elections; if only because Harper will lose what support he built up for the Tories railing against the legislation - if he doesn't make it an issue he'll look weak on "family issues" and lose support from the religious right and the conservative right within in the Tories... which could then lead to a splintering of the party back into the old Aliiance/Reform and old Tory camps.

Whats Royal Assent?

Dumb American down here trying to follow along with all the political parties and such. We have two. Its not better, just easier. God knows our people dont read anyway.

Royal Assent is basically approval from Her Majesty. Royall assent will formall enact legislation. Back in the day, the Queen had to approve every piece of legislation before it could actually become law. Today, it's really, like RACooper said, a formality. It's done out of tradition. However, in Canada, the Governor General will give royal assent because she is the Queen's representative here.