Canadian Senate Passes Nationwide Same-Sex Marriage Bill
One of the most tumultuous debates in Canadian history effectively came to an end on Tuesday when the Senate voted in favor of same-sex marriage. If signed Canada would become the fourth nation in the world to legalize such marriages.
One of the most tumultuous debates in Canadian history effectively came to an end on Tuesday when the Senate voted in favor of same-sex marriage. The bill could be signed into law as early as today, and would make Canada the fourth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.
Religious groups have voiced fears that despite a stipulation that churches, mosques, synagogues and temples are not required by law to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies, they will nonetheless be brought to court if they refuse. Some also fear losing their jobs if they speak out in opposition to same-sex marriage.
Justice Minister Irwin Cotler has promised that the rights of those individuals who oppose the bill will not be compromised by the new law, but protected by the legislation itself, as well as the Charter of Rights which guarantees religious freedom.
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