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Asher
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Calgary, Alberta
Nov 1999
time: 22:17
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http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/ameri...y.ap/index.html
quote:
Canada court approves gay marriage
Thursday, December 9, 2004 Posted: 10:20 AM EST (1520 GMT)
TORONTO, Ontario (AP) -- Canada's highest court said Thursday the government can redefine marriage to include same-sex couples, but it added that religious officials cannot be forced to perform unions against their beliefs.
The ruling by the court in Ottawa brings to the final stages a long, bitter fight over whether gays and lesbians should be allowed to marry in Canada.
Judges in six provinces and one territory have already overturned the traditional definition, allowing thousands of same-sex weddings.
Canada would join Belgium and the Netherlands in allowing gay marriage if the government acts to make it legal nationwide.
To pass in the House of Commons, the legislation needs the approval of about 44 of the 95 Liberal backbench members of Parliament to obtain a 155-vote majority.
One top Liberal predicted the legislation should pass easily after its introduction, likely early next year. It already has the support of the 38-member Liberal cabinet and virtually all the 54 Bloc Quebecois and 19 New Democrat MPs. |
No reasonable person can be opposed to this -- churches reserve the right to refuse to marry gays, and gays can be legally married.
Everyone wins, except for the Christians who wish to impose their beliefs on everyone else through their power of majority.
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Flubber
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With a view of the Rockies
Aug 2000
time: 22:17
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A sensible decision IMHO
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Kontiki
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Canada
Aug 2001
time: 00:17
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I predict a massive surge in divorces, spousal abuse and abortions because of this ruling. This will surely destroy Canadian society as we know it.
Hey, I just realized I hate my fiance because gays can now marry! I also want to marry my grandmother now!
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Asher
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Calgary, Alberta
Nov 1999
time: 22:17
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quote:
Traditional groups call for marriage referendum
Last Updated Thu, 09 Dec 2004 12:13:13 EST
OTTAWA - Groups opposed to same-sex marriage reacted swiftly to Thursday's Supreme Court opinion that Ottawa can legalize gay marriage, with one group saying the traditional definition should be enshined in the constitution.
The country's highest court said that the federal government has the authority to change the definition of marriage to include gays and lesbians.
Gwen Landolt
Gwen Landolt with Real Women of Canada and Catholic Civil Rights League member Richard Bastien called for a referendum on the issue.
* RELATED STORY: Supreme Court OK's same-sex marriage
"The people of Canada must have a say," said Landolt. "The time has come that we will restore democracy across Canada."
Landolt says the traditional definition of marriage should be enshrined in the constitution.
Bastien says he believes the majority of Canadians don't want same-sex marriage and that Liberal elites and their appointees are driving policy.
"This is a small elite of people and Canadians do not have to accept that," said Bastien.
Pastor Doug Young of St. John's, Nfld., says he's saddened and shocked by the decision, despite the court opinion that churches opposed to gay marriage won't have to perform the ceremonies.
Young says if the definition of marriage is redefined to two persons, what is to stop a father and a son, or two brothers from marrying.
Douglas Elliott
However, gay rights activists say the court decision takes a strong stand on the protection of religious freedoms.
Douglas Elliott, a lawyer for same-sex couples, said it is important that the court viewed the issue as a civil matter and has extended its strong support for religious freedoms.
"[Losing religious freedom was] the boogeyman trotted out by our opponents and the Supreme Court has said in the strongest possible terms that the courts and human rights commissions will extend their protection to religious groups who disagree with us," said Elliott.
Alex Munter, of Canadians for Equal Marriage, said the ruling protects the rights for lesbians and gays, and called on the government to introduce the legislation as soon as possible.
"We expect to see legislation introduced as soon as Parliament resumes sitting in January," said Munter. |
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09-12-2004 21:14
This is my current weather
You ought to be ashamed! 
ACK!
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