This copy is for your personal non-commercial use only. When the House of Commons passed the Civil Marriage Act 10 years ago this week, Canada was only the fourth country in the world — and the first outside Europe — to legalize same-sex marriage. As Minister of Justice in , I was proud to introduce the Civil Marriage Act, legislation anchored in two fundamental Charter principles: the right of every Canadian to equality without discrimination, and the right to religious freedom. It protected the rights of same-sex couples without removing rights from anyone else, and without subordinating one right to another. For three reasons in particular, it is remarkable to think back to the debate that was taking place in Canada on this issue a decade ago.
LGBT Love: Why Same Sex Marriage Should Be Legal
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Gay Marriage by State
The results of which was a greater legal acceptance by the state. LGBT rights in Canada have come a long way from , where a man named Everett Klippert was arrested for publicly accepting his homosexuality. Today, the federal government has legalized same-sex marriages. But, when it comes to same-sex parents rights, legal acceptance is still a work in progress. And, less than 10 percent of them feel that the society is completely open to sexual and gender diversity. This is also in keeping with their rights as same-sex parents.
Canada passes bill to legalize gay marriage
When gay marriage was legalized in , the United States became one of 27 countries around the world where same-sex marriage is legally recognized. The Netherlands was the first nation to formally recognize these unions in with Belgium and Canada following soon afterward. The countries that legalized gay marriages most recently are Malta, Germany, and Australia, all of which passed legislation in which same-sex marriages are formally recognized. The Netherlands has often been labeled as the pioneering nation in championing for the rights of the LGBT people. The Dutch nation gets this acclaim since it was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, and in so doing, set a precedent which was followed by dozens of other countries around the globe.
If you are planning to be married in a foreign country, you should contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of the country where the marriage will take place. They will tell you what documents you will need and whether they need to be authenticated. Canadian government offices abroad can also provide information about laws and regulations in the countries where they are located and a list of local service providers if you need legal guidance. You cannot get married at a Canadian embassy or consulate in a foreign country. Canadian consular officials do not perform marriage ceremonies, and they do not have to attend your marriage.
