Canada passes Same Sex Marriage Legislation
 

cbc

Same-sex legislation passed
Last Updated Tue, 28 Jun 2005 22:34:21 EDT
CBC News
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The Liberals' controversial same-sex marriage legislation has passed final reading in the House of Commons, sailing through with a vote of 158 for and 133 against.

Supported by most members of the Liberals, the Bloc Quebecois and the NDP, the legislation passed easily, making Canada only the third country in the world, after the Netherlands and Belgium, to officially recognize same-sex unions.

But the passage of Bill C-38, once again, came with a political price tag for the government. Joe Comuzzi, resigned from the cabinet so he could vote against the bill - an open rebuke of the government legislation.

Comuzzi was the minister responsible for Northern Ontario.

Although he was the only cabinet minister to break ranks with Prime Minister Paul Martin over the controversial plan to legalize the marriage of gays and lesbians, it highlighted the divisions within Canada and the within the Liberal party, pitting supporters of equality rights against those who are defending religious freedoms.

For Comuzzi, the decision to resign meant putting principles ahead of the privileges of cabinet. "In 2004, during the election, I promised faithfully to the people of Thunder Bay-Superior North, that I would defend the definition of marriage," he said, explaining his move.

The prime minister said he regretted the decision of a man he called an "old friend," but accepts it because the government must speak with one voice on same-sex marriage.

The "vote is about the Charter of Rights," said Martin. "We're a nation of minorities and in a nation of minorities you don't cherry-pick rights."

The government has moved over the last few months to appease critics both within Liberal ranks and among Canadians at large. Amendments were introduced to ensure no religious group or charitable organization is forced to accept same-sex marriage. But in spite of those amendments some groups remain unconvinced.

Same-sex marriage remains one of the most difficult issues ever to confront Canadian politicians. In large part passage of the bill is the reason the parliamentary session was extended for the first time in 17 years.

But while Tuesday night's vote closes off the debate in the Commons, the Conservatives insist there is no closure for Canadians who believe marriage should continue to be defined as the union of a man and a woman, to the exclusion of all others.

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper says if his party forms the next government, the law will be revisited.

Harper made the promise one day after suggesting the adoption of the law lacked legitimacy because it relied on the support of the separatist Bloc Quebecois. Harper said he believes Bloc MPs are the legitimate representatives of Quebec voters. But he argues most Canadians aren't buying it as a final decision since most federalist MPs are opposed to same-sex marriage.

Harper says a Conservative government would hold a free vote for all MPs on the matter, rather than forcing cabinet ministers to vote with the government.

I'm so happy about this, I can't even begin to express it in words. I'm so proud to call this place my home. :)

I'm really proud of the fact it was passed as a civil rights issue, and I very proud of the fact they took into account religious concerns into the wording of the legislation.

However it should be interesting to see what Klein/Alberta do in the short term... and what Harper will say/do in the long term (there was talk of him annuling the legislation if he become's PM).

And I just hope and pray that that man NEVER becomes PM.

Victory!!!

Certainly a giant step in the right direction.

With this legislation I guess that means that they can shoot episodes of "My Fabulous Gay Wedding" in other places than Toronto - so now Scott Thompson (aka. Buddy) can be unleased on the rest of the country :D

Go Canada! This is a really good thing.

(or some would no doubt say....Blame Canada ;) )....sorry I couldn't resist.

I'm personally going to enjoy looking into the WBC's reaction to this :D Maybe the "reverend" Phelps will be so enraged by it he'll have a stroke or heart-attack (crossing fingers) ;)

What has this country come to?? :(

It looks like it's come to an understanding of the fundamental rights of people, as well as the need to prevent discrimination based upon sexual orientation . . . oh, it's also come to the realization that laws should be passed regardless of religious pressures.

oh, dear canada, what have you come to?!?

Sad, huh?

:confused:

What do you mean - so people of the same sex can now legally get married, and this right is now (will be) protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms... and yet no religious group is forced/required to perform the marriages - so essentially it is a civil union that is performed by some churches/temples.

Basically it boils down to a full recognition of the right of homosexuals - rights that technically they are entitled to as per the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. So the rights of homosexuals are to be recognized/upheld, and the rights of religious denomonations are also to be recognized/upheld; I don't see what the issue is...

I don't think places of worship should even consider lessing these unions. I attend a hippie church (will leave soon. I'm considering going fundementalist at the rate this country is) and was almost forced to go to the Pride march this weekend (show up to service on June 26, go as a congregation afterwards...I didn't go to church of course)

Today's society, especially in Canada, is too liberal and is just going to get worse. IF things get any worse, I don't know what I'm going to do.

Cooper, I really dont think I want to marry YOU! Sorry Bro!:rolleyes:

Guess I am just a Basic Person, a place for its thing and a thing for its place.