Gay marriage legalized in Canada

[AggieDave 6]

Yup, just passed with a reasonably narrow vote (not too narrow, though).

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/06/28/samesex050628.html

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[slug 1]

Hi AD

Read the link. Confusing but it sounds like whenever a new gov't is elected the law could be changed.

Wonder how that would work for the folks that got married while their marriage was legal?

R.I.P.

[CanuckInUSA 0]

Also read that it's worded as a "same-sex union" not marriage.

Try not to worry about the things you have no control over

[AggieDave 6]

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Read the link. Confusing but it sounds like whenever a new gov't is elected the law could be changed.

I did read the link and I understand that point. Basically, that doesn't matter at this specific point, it *is* legalized right now. So basically the longer it lasts as law the harder it will be to changed.

Kinda simplistic, but fairly true.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[AggieDave 6]

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Also read that it's worded as a "same-sex union" not marriage.

Similar legal standing, though, as I understand it. Its a rewording to prevent the religious implications.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[CanuckInUSA 0]

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Its a rewording to prevent the religious implications.

Homosexuality isn't my thing, but I have no problems with allowing people to have the same sort of benefits that a normal couple would have. Then again I'm not a Christian and I'm not offended by the idea of a same sex union. Christians on the other hand believe that people like me will rot in hell because I don't buy into their rhetoric. To me the bible is the greatest fictional book to ever brain-wash so many by so few.

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So basically the longer it lasts as law the harder it will be to changed.

Hey Aggie you know I like you. But it's not your country. Why do Americans feel so strong about influencing what goes on in another country. Oh I forgot, it's the American way to ensure that the entire world operates by America's rules.

Try not to worry about the things you have no control over

[AggieDave 6]

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. Why do Americans feel so strong about influencing what goes on in another country

Who says I'm trying to change anything or influence anything in Canada? Except maybe the odd accent.

My personal opinion on homosexuality isn't apart of my posting this thread. The simple fact that its news and realitively large news that can influence US opinion is why I posted it.

Personally I don't really care for homosexuality, but I don't really care what others do. Its not my place to say someone is right or wrong for how they feel or believe, its their place to make that decision. As long as it doesn't infringe on my rights (i.e. violence against my beliefs, etc).

I also consider myself a Christian, although I'm fairly anti organized religion as a religion. Basically I'm a very spirital person who has his own "walk with his own god."

Its easy to see how you could think what you think about why I posted this, but its not right.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[narcimund 0]

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"We are a nation of minorities. And in a nation of minorities, it is important that you don't cherry-pick rights." -- Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin

Hours before the historic vote of the House of Commons in Canada, the Prime Minister was quoted as saying those who survive by equality and justice should avoid denying it to others, even when, occasionally, it feels kinda good to do so.

No american leader would be caught dead saying such nonsense. If it feels good to oppress, that's MORE than enough excuse.

First Class Citizen Twice Over

[narcimund 0]

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Also read that it's worded as a "same-sex union" not marriage.

I don't see that at all. Are you looking at different legislation than the rest of us? We're talking about C-38. The only mention of "union" is to make that point that "unions" would NOT meet the standards of this act. Some people might WISH that's what it said, but it doesn't. The word "marriage" is used quite liberally. Sorry.

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SUMMARY
This enactment extends the legal capacity for marriage for civil purposes to same-sex couples in order to reflect values of tolerance, respect and equality, consistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It also makes consequential amendments to other Acts to ensure equal access for same-sex couples to the civil effects of marriage and divorce.

BILL C-38

An Act respecting certain aspects of legal capacity for marriage for civil purposes

Preamble

WHEREAS the Parliament of Canada is committed to upholding the Constitution of Canada, and section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees that every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination;

WHEREAS the courts in a majority of the provinces and in one territory have recognized that the right to equality without discrimination requires that couples of the same sex and couples of the opposite sex have equal access to marriage for civil purposes;

WHEREAS the Supreme Court of Canada has recognized that many Canadian couples of the same sex have married in reliance on those court decisions;

WHEREAS only equal access to marriage for civil purposes would respect the right of couples of the same sex to equality without discrimination, and civil union, as an institution other than marriage, would not offer them that equal access and would violate their human dignity, in breach of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms;

WHEREAS the Supreme Court of Canada has determined that the Parliament of Canada has legislative jurisdiction over marriage but does not have the jurisdiction to establish an institution other than marriage for couples of the same sex;

WHEREAS everyone has the freedom of conscience and religion under section 2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms;

WHEREAS nothing in this Act affects the guarantee of freedom of conscience and religion and, in particular, the freedom of members of religious groups to hold and declare their religious beliefs and the freedom of officials of religious groups to refuse to perform marriages that are not in accordance with their religious beliefs;

WHEREAS, in light of those considerations, the Parliament of Canada’s commitment to uphold the right to equality without discrimination precludes the use of section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to deny the right of couples of the same sex to equal access to marriage for civil purposes;

WHEREAS marriage is a fundamental institution in Canadian society and the Parliament of Canada has a responsibility to support that institution because it strengthens commitment in relationships and represents the foundation of family life for many Canadians;

AND WHEREAS, in order to reflect values of tolerance, respect and equality consistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, access to marriage for civil purposes should be extended by legislation to couples of the same sex;

NOW, THEREFORE, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

Short title

1. This Act may be cited as the Civil Marriage Act.

Marriage — certain aspects of capacity

2. Marriage, for civil purposes, is the lawful union of two persons to the exclusion of all others.

Religious officials

3. It is recognized that officials of religious groups are free to refuse to perform marriages that are not in accordance with their religious beliefs.

Marriage not void or voidable

4. For greater certainty, a marriage is not void or voidable by reason only that the spouses are of the same sex.

First Class Citizen Twice Over

[CanuckInUSA 0]

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Are you looking at different legislation than the rest of us?

Okay I admit that I'm guilty of not reading the entire bill. I just read the news story where they mentioned same-sex unions. I'm in the middle of trying to finish another jumping video and can easily be distracted.

But can I ask you this? Are you Canadian? I'm guessing from your profile the answer is no (I could be wrong). So if you're not Canadian, what do you care about what's happening in another country? Or once again, is it America's business to butt their noses into every other country's business. If Canadians are offended by this bill then they will have the next government address it. But for now, through a democratic vote, the people have spoken. Oh and for the record, I've disliked the Canadian Liberal Party for years, it's one of the reasons why I'm down here.

Try not to worry about the things you have no control over

[narcimund 0]

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But can I ask you this? Are you Canadian?

Stay tuned.

First Class Citizen Twice Over

[mdrejhon 8]

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Yup, just passed with a reasonably narrow vote (not too narrow, though).

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/06/28/samesex050628.html

I'm glad to see this legislation pass. I'm very happy to be a Canadian!

However, I do also believe that churches should have their own rights and rules. The existing rights apply; a church of a certain religion has its right to not bless marriages by a church of another religion. This also translates to same-sex marriages too, and that they shouldn't be forced to bless same-sex unions. Sounds fair to me.

[Nightingale 0]

Personally, I care what happens in other countries because other countries can (among other things):

1. set a good example
2. set a bad example
3. be just plain interesting, example or not

Canada's an awesome place to visit, and they've now set an amazing example of tolerance and acceptance of its citizens, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. It's nice to know that someone out there is getting things right (IMO), and I hope the US will do the same.

[waltappel 1]

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Yup, just passed with a reasonably narrow vote (not too narrow, though).

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/06/28/samesex050628.html

I can picture it--"Let's get married--Eh?".

Walt

[Ron 7]

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Why do Americans feel so strong about influencing what goes on in another country.

Why do other countries like to try and influence America?

Same reasons...People like to stick their noses in others business.

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

[Remster 24]

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Yup, just passed with a reasonably narrow vote (not too narrow, though).

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/06/28/samesex050628.html

I'm glad to see this legislation pass. I'm very happy to be a Canadian!

However, I do also believe that churches should have their own rights and rules. The existing rights apply; a church of a certain religion has its right to not bless marriages by a church of another religion. This also translates to same-sex marriages too, and that they shouldn't be forced to bless same-sex unions. Sounds fair to me.

Hence this section:

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Religious officials

3. It is recognized that officials of religious groups are free to refuse to perform marriages that are not in accordance with their religious beliefs.

Remster

[narcimund 0]

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Hey Aggie you know I like you. But it's not your country. Why do Americans feel so strong about influencing what goes on in another country. Oh I forgot, it's the American way to ensure that the entire world operates by America's rules.

No one in this thread has said anything about influencing. People are discussing. Is that a problem?

First Class Citizen Twice Over

[AggieDave 6]

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No one in this thread has said anything about influencing. People are discussing. Is that a problem?

Apparently for the Canadian living in the US who doesn't like W. it is.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[EricTheRed 0]

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Who says I'm trying to change anything or influence anything in Canada?

That and the beer. There's way too much beer in Canada and I think they should send it all to us.

Free of course

illegible usually

[chuteless 1]

Yeah...we have a sicko government too. Paul Martin is correct in one thing, a country of minorities, and he has a minority in brains.

[shropshire 0]

As others have said... good on Canada for showing tolerance and compassion.

As for some of the so called tolerant clergy .. some of them should be happy now too as it legitimises their practices

(.)Y(.)
Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome

[SkyDekker 1,123]

Interestingly enough, Alberta, a province led by a conservative government is considering getting out of the marriage business. Which would mean the only way to get married would be through a recognized church, making gay marriages quite a bit harder.

[billvon 2,400]

>Which would mean the only way to get married would be through a
>recognized church, making gay marriages quite a bit harder.

I would think that would make it easier. Create a religion and perform gay marriages, or any sort of marriages you choose.

[SkyDekker 1,123]

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I would think that would make it easier. Create a religion and perform gay marriages, or any sort of marriages you choose.

My understanding is that it is quite a bit harder in Canada to become an established religion.

Secondly, I think there are some laws as to which religions are recognized for marriage purposes...

[narcimund 0]

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Yeah...we have a sicko government too. Paul Martin is correct in one thing, a country of minorities, and he has a minority in brains.

A friend was over tonight, talking about this topic. And he said something profound. He said, "You know, people could just be nicer to each other. That wouldn't do any damage to the world."

I thought of you.

First Class Citizen Twice Over