Lessons for America: How Gay Marriage Became Legal in Canada

For those who mightn’t know the history – an excellent TV Ontario condensation of the road to marriage equality in Canada. Please note this is yet another reason to dislike Stephen Harper and to observe exactly how odious the Conservatives are.

Every Country Needs Politicians Like Olivia Chow.

The fact that Canada is such a wonderful country is not an accident it is because of great politicians over the years who stand up for what is right – Trinity-Spadina MP, Olivia Chow is a fine example.

 

Member of Parliament Olivia Chow (Trinity-Spadina) speaks out in support of equal marriage and equal rights for all in Canada.

Chow speaks on December 6th, 2006 in the Canadian Parliament during a debate in the House of Commons.

Olivia Chow and the New Democratic Party (NDP) successfully defended equal marriage by helping to defeat the motion by Harper’s Conservatives, supported by some Liberals, to undermine the government’s decision in 2005 (Bill C-38) to recognize same-sex marriage–after provincial courts and the Supreme Court had recognized the right to equal marriage as well.

The next day, December 7, 2006, Harper’s motion was defeated 175-123–another victory for equality in Canada.

www.oliviachow.ca
www.ndp.ca

Video recorded by the House of Commons Broadcasting Service.

Touching and supportive It Gets Better contributions from Canada.

Canada is far more progressive than most nations on the planet in promoting inclusiveness. As a Canadian I have seen this firsthand and in many ways Canada serves as a beacon of hope to other parts of the world. But having constitutional guarantees of protection and  nationwide marriage equality doesn’t mean that abuses don’t happen.

To their credit many Canadians know that complacency is not a good thing and are reaching out to help young people feel better about themselves and to let them know that communities and powerful people do not think it is okay that they are being bullied for being different.

The beautiful city of London, Ontario has posted an excellent video reaching out to kids using various powerful voices.

And now Jack Layton, leader of the New Democratic Party and judged by the Angus Reid poll as the best-ranked federal leader in Canada also speaks out on the issue.

Well done Canada! Don’t expect the uninspiring ersatz Prime Minister  Stephen Harper to post anything soon but if there is any justice he will not be around for long.