Canadian Supreme Court Gives 'Green Light' to Same-Sex Marriage
The Liberal Party said it will introduce legislation legalizing gay marriage across the nation as early as next month.
The Canadian Supreme Court said Thursday the federal government can legalize same-sex marriage but religious groups cannot be forced to perform gay weddings against their beliefs.
In its advisory ruling, the High Court said the Liberal Government’s proposed definition of marriage as "the lawful union of two persons" did not violate the Constitution but stopped short of saying gay marriage was required by the Constitution.
The Liberal Government had asked the Court to answer three questions: Does the federal government have exclusive authority to define marriage? Does the charter protect religious groups from having to perform gay weddings against their beliefs? Is the proposed same-sex marriage law constitutional?
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But Justices did not answer a fourth question added by Prime Minister Paul Martin--Is the traditional definition of marriage – between one man and one woman – also constitutional?
Liberals have said they will introduce a bill to legalize same-sex marriage across the country regardless of the court’s opinion.
Justice Minister Irwin Cotler said Wednesday a legislation to legalize gay marriages could be introduced as early as next month.
Same-sex marriage is legal in six of Canada’s ten provinces, one Canadian territory, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Massachusetts.
"Several centuries ago, it would have been understood that marriage be available only to opposite-sex couples,” the court said. "The recognition of same-sex marriage in several Canadian jurisdictions as well as two European countries belies the assertion that the same is true today."
Charles McVety, president of Toronto’s Canada Christian College, predicted electoral defeat for MPs who support gay marriage legislation, reported the Canadian Press.
"I believe people are going to stand up and say enough is enough is enough,” he said. “When you redefine marriage, you redefine it for everyone.”
He added, “Marriage has been hijacked today and I’m very sad.”
Groups opposing the legislation include the Attorney General of Alberta, the Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops, and a conservative women's group, REAL Women of Canada.
Supporters of the legislation are the Attorney General of Canada, the Canadian Human Rights Commission, various gay rights groups, the United Church of Canada representing Presbyterian and Methodist congregations, and a coalition of liberal rabbis.
