Same-Sex Marriage Law

Canadian Studies > Gender, Race, Class issues
Gender and Sexuality > Gender Studies
Gender and Sexuality > Homosexuality

This paper discusses the constitutionality of the same-sex marriage law in Canada.

750 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that the controversial issue of same-sex marriage has dominated both floors of the Canadian Parliament for nearly a decade. The writer points out that while legislators were decidedly split on the issue during its first inception into legislative committees, the Canadian citizenry pleaded with their legislators to push for the legalization of same-sex marriages. The writer discusses that effective July 20, 2005, the Civil Marriage Act took full effect however, many of the bill's opponents vowed to rescind the bill once the balance of power shifted. The writer concludes that in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights, the Civil Marriage Act upholds its pledge to treat every citizen equally, in addition to recognizing the equality of minorities and the rights of those in the minority.

From the Paper:

"The main challenge for proponents of the Civil Marriage Act was not only to ensure the equal rights for same-sex marriages, but also to uphold the religious freedom also outlined in the Charter of Rights. Dissenters argue that religious freedom is still violated by this bill, however the Civil Marriage Act is very explicit on religious institutions. Religious groups and institutions are not to be forced to wed those who seek same-sex marriage, and it is not the responsibility of the government to enforce federal power over religious groups to provide said service to those seeking a wedding.
"More importantly, a good amount of time was spent incorporating the Civil Marriage Act into other pieces of legislation."

Sample of Sources Used:

"Same-Sex Marriage Law passes 158-133" June 25, 2005. CBS NEWS. Date accessed: December 4, 2006. <http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2005/06/28/samesex050628.html#skip300x250>
"Civil Marriage Act" October 20, 2005. Department of Justice Canada. Date accessed: December 4, 2006. <http://www.justice.gc.ca/en/news/fs/2005/doc_31580.html>
"Civil Marriage Act" December 1, 2006. Parliament of Canada LEGISinfo. Date accessed: December 4, 2006. <http://www.parl.gc.ca/LEGISINFO/index.asp?Language=E&Chamber=c&StartList=2&EndList=200&Session=13&Type=0&Scope=i&query=4381&List=stat>