We missed it in all the Canadian hoopla over the same-sex marriage act. Last Thursday, a judge in New Brunswick ruled in favor of four same-sex couples. Marriage in that province is between two persons. That leaves only Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Prince Edward Island where same-sex marriage is not allowed.
Justice Judith Clendening did not cite the larger turmoil or the flood of rulings throughout Canada. She only referred to Newfoundland's decision favoring the marriages.
This may all be moot this week or next when Parliament codifies same-sex marriages. However, the Conservatives are painted into a very tight corner indeed.
4 comments:
Actually there are 4 jurisdictions left: don't forget Canada's newest territory of Nunavut, established in 1999. And BTW, Newfoundland is a single word.
Stephanie, the Canadian nitpicker.
Thanks, that's good picking of nits.
I know Newfoundland is one word and had it so in previous posts. Perhaps I can blame the Bloc for my mistake. No? Okay.
I had totally forgotten Nunavut. I see that Premier Paul Okalik said that if either the Parliament or the Supreme Court of Canada changed the definition of marriage, Nunavut would comply. Meanwhile, he added that Nunavut will recognize same-sex marriages conducted legally elsewhere.
Also, I see that the current form lists "BRIDEGROOM" and "BRIDE" name entries. It is a simple form and quick to change.
Finally, I see from numerous sources that both the Natives and the Anglicans there condemn homosexuality. The former reportedly consider it an artifact imported by the white culture. So, will it be a begrudging acceptance when C-38 becomes law?
...and then there's the terminology in the new Territory. The official documents refer almost entirely to Inuit, although other sources use Natives and there are other racial, ethnic and cultural inhabitants. If this arises again, I am likely to use either of the two common terms.
Also, I did edit the typo to Newfoundland.
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