Canada's House of Commons OKs Gay Marriage

[Tigress]

Canada's House of Commons OKs Gay Marriage
Bill grants same-sex couples same legal rights as heterosexual couples

TORONTO - Canada's House of Commons passed landmark legislation Tuesday to legalize gay marriage, granting same-sex couples legal rights equal to those in traditional unions between a man and a woman.

The bill passed as expected, despite opposition from Conservatives and religious leaders. The legislation drafted by Prime Minister Paul Martin’s minority Liberal Party government was also expected to easily pass the Senate and become federal law by the end of July.

The Netherlands and Belgium are the only other two nations that allow gay marriage nationwide. » Continue...

[Tara]

A quick question Tiger, although I think I already know the answer, I just want to be sure just in case. lol Do the religious right have as big of an impact over there in Canada as they do here in the U.S.?

The Roman Catholic Church, the predominant Christian denomination in Canada, has vigorously opposed the legislation, saying that it would harm children in particular.

No offense to any Catholics, but I can't believe they just said that considering all the Priest scandals and the things they are doing about it. (or is that just a U.S. thing?)

[dianaholberg]

It's primarily in the U.S., yes. It is certainly not Catholic teaching to do harm to children... quite the opposite.

[Tara]

Well, I knew that, but at first, I thought it was hypocritical.

[Tigress]

admin said:

A quick question Tiger, although I think I already know the answer, I just want to be sure just in case. lol Do the religious right have as big of an impact over there in Canada as they do here in the U.S.?

No. The Canadian religious right does not have the 'upper hand' like it does in many parts of the United States. I think this is partially due to the fact that the majority of Canadians seem to be of the liberal or at the very least, libertarian persuasion anyway. lol