equality

A friend sent me this link, my first bit of all-Canadian activism. From Canadians for Equal Marriage:

Stephen Harper has confirmed that the new Conservative government will try to turn back the clock on equality, by holding a vote to re-open the equal marriage debate this fall.

The prime minister avoided the issue in his April 4 Speech from the Throne (meant to outline the government’s agenda for the upcoming session), so Canadians for Equal Marriage held a press conference the following morning. In the media theatre on Parliament Hill, Emily Turk and Cynthia Misener, a lesbian couple hoping to marry later this year, called on Harper to reveal his intentions.

"Nobody should have to plan their wedding under this kind of threat," they said.

Within two hours, Justice Minister Vic Toews responded by confirming the government’s plan to hold a vote on re-opening the equal marriage debate "sooner rather than later". Harper himself said a vote would take place "within the life of this Parliament, probably in the fall."

So, once again, the equality of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-identified people is threatened, and the right of all Canadian couples to access civil marriage is hanging in the balance.

Despite polls showing 2/3 of Canadians do not want a Harper government to bring the equal marriage issue back to Parliament, Prime Minister Harper insists there will be a vote on rolling back equality. Buried in his election platform is the following:

"A Conservative government will:
-Hold a truly free vote on the definition of marriage in the next session of Parliament. If the resolution is passed, the government will introduce legislation to restore the traditional definition of marriage while respecting existing same-sex marriages."

What does this mean? It means the Conservative government will ask Parliament to vote on a resolution to re-open the divisive equal marriage debate. This resolution can be put forward, debated and voted on in a single day.

If it passes, then a bill to take away same-sex couples' right to marry will follow. Of course, according to over 100 law professors, that legislation is almost certainly unconstitutional. The law profs say it would be irresponsible to try to pass such legislation, and that doing so would lead to legal confusion for years to come. Click here to see their open letter to Stephen Harper.

Here's how you can help:

- Email your MP and tell her or him where you stand on this issue, and how you want to see him/her vote.

- Sign the Equal Marriage petition. I can't vote, but I can do this.

- Spread the word by sending the link to your own email list.

On the short list of what makes Canada different - and what makes Canada a good country - is a commitment to respect for minorities, and to each of our right to self-determination. Canada's early recognition of same-sex marriage is one expression of that, in sharp contrast to the response just south of here.

Let's not let Stephen Harper turn back the clock.