Same Sex Legislation Passes House of Commons - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Ace_O_Spades · 06-28-2005, 07:48 PM

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/natio...sex050628.html

Quote:

Same-sex legislation passed
Last Updated Tue, 28 Jun 2005 22:34:21 EDT
CBC News

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.

Still has to pass senate, but that's more of a formality. Thank you Canada for electing representatives who are not blind to the fact that any level of discrimination against a minority is against the Charter.

I'm very happy for every same sex couple who will be allowed legal marriage.

Mantus · 06-28-2005, 08:08 PM

Same sex marige has been legal in 9 out of 13 of Canada's provinces and territories for up to two years now.

I also heard on CBC that same sex couples did not flock to the altar in Ontario, a canadian province wich legalized same-sex marriage two years ago.

Ace_O_Spades · 06-28-2005, 08:31 PM

Yes, it has been legal in 9 out of 13, but now it will be legal in 13 of 13... no gray area

guthmund · 06-29-2005, 06:35 AM

I can't believe nobody's really commented on this one yet.

Suffice it to say, I think this is fantastic. We've been over the gay marriage issue at least a dozen times, so I won't bother with why. I think this is a bold step in the right direction and it's a shame that America (land of the free; home of the brave and all that) wasn't leading the charge. Hell, we aren't even on the same train as our Canadian kindred.

connyosis · 06-29-2005, 07:51 AM

Great news. I'm hoping Sweden will go the same way as soon as possible

Charlatan · 06-29-2005, 08:02 AM

I am happy with the results. I suspect those who would be against this legislation are either licking their wounds or are just staying silent because, what can they say? The legislation passed...

It is interesting to note that opposition leader and conservative Stephen Harper says he will push for another vote if his party is elected. Great. Just what we need. What, he'll have his vote and then when the Liberals get back in power they have have a vote and we can see-saw back and forth on the issue?

The vote passed. It *was* the right thing to do and as I said in another thread... Future generations will wonder what all the fuss was about and why we took so long (much like giving women the right to vote) to recognize basic human rights...

06-28-2005, 08:31 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ace_O_Spades The Death Card Location: EH!?!?	Yes, it has been legal in 9 out of 13, but now it will be legal in 13 of 13... no gray area __________________ Feh.

06-29-2005, 06:35 AM	#4 (permalink)
guthmund big damn hero	I can't believe nobody's really commented on this one yet. Suffice it to say, I think this is fantastic. We've been over the gay marriage issue at least a dozen times, so I won't bother with why. I think this is a bold step in the right direction and it's a shame that America (land of the free; home of the brave and all that) wasn't leading the charge. Hell, we aren't even on the same train as our Canadian kindred. __________________ No signature. None. Seriously.

06-29-2005, 07:51 AM	#5 (permalink)
connyosis Psycho Location: Sweden - Land of the sodomite damned	Great news. I'm hoping Sweden will go the same way as soon as possible __________________ If atheism is a religion, then not collecting stamps is a hobby.

06-29-2005, 08:02 AM	#6 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	I am happy with the results. I suspect those who would be against this legislation are either licking their wounds or are just staying silent because, what can they say? The legislation passed... It is interesting to note that opposition leader and conservative Stephen Harper says he will push for another vote if his party is elected. Great. Just what we need. What, he'll have his vote and then when the Liberals get back in power they have have a vote and we can see-saw back and forth on the issue? The vote passed. It was the right thing to do and as I said in another thread... Future generations will wonder what all the fuss was about and why we took so long (much like giving women the right to vote) to recognize basic human rights... __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

06-28-2005, 08:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mantus lascivious	Same sex marige has been legal in 9 out of 13 of Canada's provinces and territories for up to two years now. I also heard on CBC that same sex couples did not flock to the altar in Ontario, a canadian province wich legalized same-sex marriage two years ago.