Canada Proposes Same-Sex Marriage Law

BabyPhat21 · 07-17-2003, 04:09 PM

Canada Proposes Same-Sex Marriage Law

By TOM COHEN, Associated Press Writer

TORONTO - Canada's government proposed Thursday that marriage be defined as the "lawful union of two persons," which would legalize same-sex marriage throughout country.

The draft bill, presented to the Supreme Court for judicial review before Parliament considers it, is the government's reaction to court rulings that have allowed same-sex marriages in Ontario and British Columbia.

Hundreds of homosexual couples have gotten married in recent weeks, and the proposed law showed Prime Minister Jean Chretien's intention to make Canada the fourth nation in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, after Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands.

"The bill is very short, just two sections, but I believe it speaks volumes about who we are as Canadians and the rights that we share," Justice Minister Martin Cauchon said at a news conference.

He said changing the definition of marriage does nothing to erode the institution or diminish the rights or status of heterosexual marriage.

Titled the Act Respecting Certain Aspects of Legal Capacity for Marriage, the proposal says: "Marriage for civil purposes is the lawful union of two persons to the exclusion of all others."

Under current law, marriage is defined as the union of a man and woman. Courts in Ontario and British Columbia have ruled that language unconstitutional, but religious groups and social conservatives say the traditional definition of marriage dates back thousands of years and is a cornerstone of society and procreation.

The proposed new law states that religious communities can define marriage as they wish, an attempt to appease opponents of homosexual marriage.

"We also live in a society that believes in freedom of religion," Cauchon said. "I believe the draft bill strikes the proper balance, and by taking this approach, the government of Canada is doing the right thing at the right time in our history."

In its submission to the Supreme Court, the government asked for answers to three questions involving the proposed new law. Is the law within the exclusive authority of the federal government? Does it respect constitutional rights? And, do guarantees of religious freedom in Canada's Constitution permit some religious groups to refuse to sanctify same-sex marriages as a violation of their beliefs?

It was unclear when the Supreme Court would respond. It is setting its calendar for the rest of the year, and Cauchon conceded an answer may not come until 2004.

Once the Supreme Court has responded, he said, the measure would go to Parliament for a free vote, meaning legislators could vote their conscious rather than follow party discipline.

Cauchon also noted a possible legal challenge by opponents of same-sex marriage who are seeking intervener status to challenge the Ontario court ruling. He said the federal government would likely oppose allowing outside groups to intervene.

ChelEler · 07-17-2003, 04:28 PM

Wow, so you want to move up there and marry a lady, eh?

sablescort · 07-17-2003, 04:38 PM

Looks like Canada is gaining much more freedom than the USA nowadays.

It would be sure difficult but not impossible to pass the same sex marriage laws in the USA considering that the religious right will do anything to derail the bill (Ashcroft and Bush) so it will be a long uphill and ardorous battle for gays and lesbians to finally get the rights that they deserve.

If you want to make a change, support Howard Dean (the ex VT governor who signed the gay civil union bill ) for President in 2004.

BabyPhat21 · 07-17-2003, 04:46 PM

I just think that it is ironic that america boasts it has freedom when it really doesnt. England recognized BSL, Canada may go for same sex marriage, and France has tons of birth control and created the abortion pill..... in singapore (i think the name) has deaf KFC....

sablescort · 07-17-2003, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BabyPhat21
I just think that it is ironic that america boasts it has freedom when it really doesnt. England recognized BSL, Canada may go for same sex marriage, and France has tons of birth control and created the abortion pill..... in singapore (i think the name) has deaf KFC....

I have to agree with you on this phat.... I wonder what really went more wrong with the USA. But however it seems so weird passing the civil rights bill in 1960s and further the years go, the more congress pass more stricter laws and shortchanged the constitution. Plus what more im recognizing that congress is much dominated by the so-called religious right that want to clamp down on other peolpe's rights and freedoms.

Fly Free · 07-17-2003, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sablescort
I have to agree with you on this phat.... I wonder what really went more wrong with the USA. But however it seems so weird passing the civil rights bill in 1960s and further the years go, the more congress pass more stricter laws and shortchanged the constitution. Plus what more im recognizing that congress is much dominated by the so-called religious right that want to clamp down on other peolpe's rights and freedoms.

sablescort!!!!!! in this argument i DO agree with u-- the USA even tho is worldwide known as "land of freedom" and it doesnt really feel like it especially with those idiots in congress -- OUST THE BABY BOOMERS who are dominated by the religious right!!!!! as for those extreme right wingers -- they need to STOP this shit seriously cuz it doesnt help the USA remain as a freedom loving country -- granted theyre allowed the right to free speech but this DOES NOT allow them the right to restrict our lives and what THEY say we can/cant do with our own lives!

07-17-2003, 05:43 PM

Laws are created to control stupid people. Need I say more?

07-17-2003, 08:41 PM

*opening my door to Kootchie & you-know-who, too!!* Don't forget to sign the adoption papers & call me Mawmy Freaky!

ChelEler · 07-18-2003, 10:26 AM

Isn't that Deaf258?

PSST: I have no clue.

07-18-2003, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kuifje75
Laws are created to control stupid people. Need I say more?

I guess nobody understood my subtle message:

The more laws there are, the more stupid people there are in a country.
If you say that America has too many laws and less freedom, then does that mean we have too many stupid people living in this country?

(Not you again, ChelEler!!!)

ChelEler · 07-18-2003, 05:05 PM

Wha wha wha? Me? Wha?

07-17-2003, 04:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
BabyPhat21 Sex Univ. Head Mistress Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: CALI Posts: 3,109	Canada Proposes Same-Sex Marriage Law Canada Proposes Same-Sex Marriage Law By TOM COHEN, Associated Press Writer TORONTO - Canada's government proposed Thursday that marriage be defined as the "lawful union of two persons," which would legalize same-sex marriage throughout country. The draft bill, presented to the Supreme Court for judicial review before Parliament considers it, is the government's reaction to court rulings that have allowed same-sex marriages in Ontario and British Columbia. Hundreds of homosexual couples have gotten married in recent weeks, and the proposed law showed Prime Minister Jean Chretien's intention to make Canada the fourth nation in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, after Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands. "The bill is very short, just two sections, but I believe it speaks volumes about who we are as Canadians and the rights that we share," Justice Minister Martin Cauchon said at a news conference. He said changing the definition of marriage does nothing to erode the institution or diminish the rights or status of heterosexual marriage. Titled the Act Respecting Certain Aspects of Legal Capacity for Marriage, the proposal says: "Marriage for civil purposes is the lawful union of two persons to the exclusion of all others." Under current law, marriage is defined as the union of a man and woman. Courts in Ontario and British Columbia have ruled that language unconstitutional, but religious groups and social conservatives say the traditional definition of marriage dates back thousands of years and is a cornerstone of society and procreation. The proposed new law states that religious communities can define marriage as they wish, an attempt to appease opponents of homosexual marriage. "We also live in a society that believes in freedom of religion," Cauchon said. "I believe the draft bill strikes the proper balance, and by taking this approach, the government of Canada is doing the right thing at the right time in our history." In its submission to the Supreme Court, the government asked for answers to three questions involving the proposed new law. Is the law within the exclusive authority of the federal government? Does it respect constitutional rights? And, do guarantees of religious freedom in Canada's Constitution permit some religious groups to refuse to sanctify same-sex marriages as a violation of their beliefs? It was unclear when the Supreme Court would respond. It is setting its calendar for the rest of the year, and Cauchon conceded an answer may not come until 2004. Once the Supreme Court has responded, he said, the measure would go to Parliament for a free vote, meaning legislators could vote their conscious rather than follow party discipline. Cauchon also noted a possible legal challenge by opponents of same-sex marriage who are seeking intervener status to challenge the Ontario court ruling. He said the federal government would likely oppose allowing outside groups to intervene.

07-17-2003, 04:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
ChelEler Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 5,537	Wow, so you want to move up there and marry a lady, eh? __________________ -ChelEler- =^.~=

07-17-2003, 04:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
sablescort You got Gonged! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Found my way back home to Knoxville...heh! Posts: 2,648	Looks like Canada is gaining much more freedom than the USA nowadays. It would be sure difficult but not impossible to pass the same sex marriage laws in the USA considering that the religious right will do anything to derail the bill (Ashcroft and Bush) so it will be a long uphill and ardorous battle for gays and lesbians to finally get the rights that they deserve. If you want to make a change, support Howard Dean (the ex VT governor who signed the gay civil union bill ) for President in 2004. __________________ <--That aint me but thats Gene Gene the Dancing Machine on Gong Show bong Gong "I never gave anybody hell! I just told the truth and they thought it was hell." <--Harry S. Truman (1884-1972)

07-18-2003, 10:26 AM	#9 (permalink)
ChelEler Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 5,537	Isn't that Deaf258? PSST: I have no clue. __________________ -ChelEler- =^.~=

07-18-2003, 05:05 PM	#11 (permalink)
ChelEler Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 5,537	Wha wha wha? Me? Wha? __________________ -ChelEler- =^.~=

Today
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07-17-2003, 04:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
BabyPhat21 Sex Univ. Head Mistress Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: CALI Posts: 3,109	I just think that it is ironic that america boasts it has freedom when it really doesnt. England recognized BSL, Canada may go for same sex marriage, and France has tons of birth control and created the abortion pill..... in singapore (i think the name) has deaf KFC....

07-17-2003, 05:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
kuifje75 Guest Posts: n/a	Laws are created to control stupid people. Need I say more?

07-17-2003, 08:41 PM	#8 (permalink)
Freaky Guest Posts: n/a	opening my door to Kootchie & you-know-who, too!! Don't forget to sign the adoption papers & call me Mawmy Freaky!

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