Another Provincial Court has told the Federal Government to end marriage discrimination against lesbian and gay Canadians. The British Columbia Court of Appeal has ruled that the legal prohibition of same-sex marriage is in violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It has given the Federal Government until next year to change the law and extend marriage rights to lesbians and gay men.
The B.C. Appeal Court decision follows similar rulings in Ontario and Quebec. The Federal Government has decided to appeal those two earlier Court decisions. Parliament also instructed the Justice and Human Rights Standing Committee to consult with Canadians on the issue of same-sex marriage. Those hearings have now ended. It’s expected the Standing Committee will report to Parliament in the very near future.
The Courts are telling the Federal Government to show leadership with respect to same sex-marriage and the message has never been more clear: end marriage discrimination now and allow lesbians and gay men the freedom to choose marriage. In order to get that message out your help is needed. Contact Federal Justice Minister Martin Cauchon. Tell him to introduce legislation now to end marriage discrimination against lesbian and gay Canadians.
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