Our neighbors in Quebec have joined British Columbia and Ontario in having their highest court rule that restricting marriage to heterosexual couples
violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
That makes three Canadian provinces where same-sex marriages are recognized. The nation of Canada is on its way toward recognizing such marriages. However, PM Paul Martin is waiting for feedback from the Federal Supreme Court before proceeding with the introduction of legislation to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide.
If only Canada weren't so damned cold!
However, before anyone gets ideas like running north to get married, consider the plight of
Kevin Bourassa and Jay Varnell.
Back in September, these two men--the first same-sex couple legally married in Canada--were on their way to a conference in Atlanta, a conference that dealt with gay family issues. According to the article:
A US customs supervisor, Bourassa said, told them that they would not be allowed into the United States as a family because the country doesn't recognize same-sex marriages. Customs and Immigration allows families to fill out a single form. The Toronto couple refused to complete separate forms as single people.
"When we realized we weren't going to be allowed into the country, we had to make a real hard decision," Bourassa said.
Bourassa called the action a flagrant violation of the couple's human rights.
"We could have filled out separate forms, but how much of your dignity do you want to have chip away? We feel we had an affront to our dignity, so we decided to go back home."
What are Canadian couples to do? Lie on the form, itself a crime, or report themselves as a family and be denied entrance?
Good news from Quebec, to be sure. But, it brings up issues for coming to America.