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VIDEO: From Russia with Love
November 8, 2009
When a Russian court threw out their request to marry in Russia, Irina Shipitko and Irina Fedotova-Fet traveled to Toronto, Canada.  Full Text

Russian Lesbian Couple Forced to Marry in Canada
October 23, 2009
Moscow’s long-time lesbian couple, Irina Fedotova-Fet and Irina Shipitko, is being forced to marry in Canada after being continuously discriminated against by Russian courts.  Full Text

CENSUS ERROR UNFAIR TO MARRIED SAME-SEX COUPLES - StatsCan Segregates Married Same-Sex Spouses
May 4, 2006
Egale Canada is dismayed with Statistics Canada over its error in treatment of same-sex couples in the upcoming census this May 16. The census form instructs same-sex couples who are married to check the "Other" category  Full Text

Lobbying disguised as research: The first step to greater influence
February 23, 2006
Since it worked in the States, it should work here. At least, that’s what the religious right hopes as it continues subtly organizing to reclaim political space. On February 16 in Ottawa, the Institute of Family and Marriage Canada (IFMC) held ...  Full Text

TOEWS: RESPONSIBILITY IS TO RULE OF LAW, NOT TO GOVERNMENT - Julius Grey: Under the rule of law the courts interpret our Constitution
February 7, 2006
Ottawa. In response to Prime Minister Harper's appointment of Vic Toews as Canada's new Minister of Justice, renowned human rights lawyer Julius Grey is calling on the Justice Minister to reassure Canadians  Full Text

Analysis of Vote Marriage Canada endorsements
January 20, 2006
Vote Marriage Canada, an organization dedicated to taking away from same-sex couples the right to civil marriage, has now endorsed candidates in 209 ridings. Egale has analysed the results and found the following.   Full Text

Globe and Mail agrees with Law Professors
January 17, 2006
Stephen Harper has shown a casual disregard for legal reality in his position on same-sex marriage. More than 100 constitutional experts have now pinned the Conservative Leader to the rhetorical wall  Full Text

Open Letter to The Hon. Stephen Harper from Law Professors Regarding Re-Opening Same-Sex Marriage
January 16, 2006
Dear Mr. Harper, You have made clear that, if you become Prime Minister, your government will ask Parliament if it should re-define marriage to take away from same-sex couples the right to civil marriage.  Full Text | In French

The two promises that would lead to chaos
January 12, 2006
Conservative leader Stephen Harper has promised, if he becomes Prime Minister, to introduce another vote on the definition of marriage, even though Parliament decisively dealt with this matter this past summer.  Full Text

Egale asks Harper to clarify murky position on notwithstanding clause
January 8, 2006
In an article published in the Toronto Star on January 5, professors Jerome Black and Bruce Hicks wrote that Mr. Harper’s promise not to use the notwithstanding clause to take away equal marriage may be temporary  Full Text

Where the Candidates Stand
December 1, 2005
This database lists all federal candidates and their track records on LGBT issues, to help make an informed decision on January 23.  Full Text | In French

South Africa’s Highest Court Orders Equal Marriage
December 1, 2005
Today a nine-judge panel of the Constitutional Court of South Africa ruled that excluding same-sex couples from civil marriage is unconstitutional and that the definition of marriage in South Africa must be changed to include same-sex couples. The...  Full Text

Governor Schwarzenegger has “girlie-man” approach to equality says Canada’s leading LGBT advocacy group
September 8, 2005
Egale Canada, the country’s leading advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-identified (LGBT) people, is expressing high criticism of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s decision to veto equal marriage...  Full Text

Equal Marriage Bill Passes Final Hurdle
July 20, 2005
At 11:25 pm on Tuesday night, the Senate passed the equal marriage bill by an overwhelming 47 to 21, with 3 abstentions. What a night!! Today, Wednesday, the bill received Royal Assent was proclaimed into law. Same-sex couples will now be able to marry...  Full Text | In French

House of Commons Adopts Equal Marriage Bill by Decisive Margin
June 28, 2005
Just days before the Canada Day holiday, the House of Commons has voted for a fifth and final time to affirm equal marriage rights for same-sex couples in Canada, confirming once again our world-wide reputation as a country that is open, inclusive and...  Full Text | In French

Bill C-38: An Act respecting certain aspects of legal capacity for marriage for civil purposes, first reading
February 1, 2005
This enactment extends the legal capacity for marriage for civil purposes to same-sex couples in order to reflect values of tolerance, respect and equality, consistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It also makes consequential...  Link

Equal Marriage Comes to South Africa
November 30, 2004
Today a five-judge panel of the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa ordered that the common-law definition of marriage in South Africa be immediately changed to “the union of two persons to the exclusion of all others for...  Full Text

New York State to Recognize Canadian Marriages of Same-Sex Couples
October 14, 2004
Yesterday the New York State and Local Retirement System announced it will treat Canadian marriages of same-sex couples the same as any other marriage for purposes of retirement benefits and obligations. The decision was communicated in a letter dated...  Full Text

Equal Marriage Chronology
October 5, 2004
August 21, 2000: Michael Hendricks and René Leboeuf commence their legal challenge in the Quebec Superior Court; August 29, 2000: Eight same-sex couples begin their legal challenge in the Divisional Court of the Ontario Superior Court of...  Full Text

John Tory Win Makes Support for Equal Marriage Unanimous
September 19, 2004
John Tory has been elected leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party. Mr. Tory solidly supports equal marriage for same-sex couples.  Full Text

Time for Federal Government to Be Clear and Promote its own Draft Legislation
August 17, 2004
Following reported comments by Justice Minister Irwin Cotler, before the Canadian Bar Association meeting yesterday in Winnipeg, Egale Canada called upon the Minister to provide clarity and be more assertive in advocating in favour of the equal...  Full Text

Canadians for Equal Marriage Urges Feds to Consent to Divorce
July 21, 2004
It was widely reported today that a same-sex couple in Toronto is seeking a divorce, but that the Divorce Act as currently written does not contemplate that. The federal government sought to delay the hearing but the Ontario Superior Court rejected...  Full Text

Canadians for Equal Marriage Congratulates Feds for Consenting to Divorce
July 21, 2004
It was widely reported today that a same-sex couple in Toronto is seeking a divorce, but that the Divorce Act as currently written does not contemplate that. The federal government originally sought to delay the hearing but the Ontario Superior Court...  Full Text

Survey Finds Huge Increase in Support for Equal Marriage
July 1, 2004
A survey released today by the Centre for Research and Information on Canada and Environics showed a large jump in support for equal marriage for same-sex couples. An earlier survey, done in September 2003, showed 48% of Canadians in favour of equal...  Full Text

Equal Marriage Ad Campaign Launched
June 18, 2004
Canadians for Equal Marriage today launched its cross-country advertising campaign highlighting the problem with excluding same-sex couples from civil marriage and with any ‘separate but equal’ civil union. This advertising...  Full Text

Marking the 1st Anniversary of Equal Marriage in Canada
June 9, 2004
Supporters of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms will gather on Parliament Hill Thurs. June 10 to mark the one-year anniversary of equal marriage in Canada and to speak against the current threat to Charter protection. On June 10, 2003,...  Full Text

Asian Canadians For Equal Marriage (ACFEM)
June 8, 2004
On Friday June 11, Asian Canadians For Equal Marriage (ACFEM) will be officially launched at City Hall. ACFEM is a coalition of non-partisan, multi-faith organizations and individuals from diverse Asian Canadian communities that actively support human...  Full Text

The long road to equality and human dignity. SAME-SEX MARRIAGE: The Personal and the Political. By Kathleen A. Lahey and Kevin Alderson.
May 3, 2004
This book published by Insomniac Press on April 24, 2004, is the first book about Canadian gay and lesbian marriage in the country. Media Release.  Full Text

Buddhist Leaders Accept Equal Marriage
April 22, 2004
In an interview with the Vancouver Sun last weekend, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that while Tibetan Buddhism frowns on marriage for same-sex couples, “whether or not homosexual couples should be accorded a marriage status, should really...  Full Text

Valentine‘s Day Event on the Canal for Same-Sex Marriages
February 13, 2004
In the spirit of celebration and romance, the Ottawa/Gatineau Chapter of Canadians for Equal Marriage will honour married same-sex couples...  Full Text

Government Unnecessarily Delays Equality
January 28, 2004
Justice Minister Irwin Cotler announced today that the government will ask the Supreme Court to add a fourth question to the Reference, namely whether excluding same-sex couples is compatible with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms...  Full Text | In French

Belinda Stronach’s Support of Same-sex Marriage Reflects Widespread Support for Equality
January 22, 2004
Conservative leadership candidate Belinda Stronach has publicly come out in favour of giving same-sex couples equal access to civil marriage...  Full Text | In French

Canadian Psychological Association joins Canadians for Equal Marriage
November 24, 2003
The Canadian Psychological Association announced today that its Board of Directors has endorsed Canadians for Equal Marriage, a multi-partisan, nation-wide, bilingual campaign to ensure passage of the federal legislation to provide...  Full Text | In French

Massachusetts Supreme Court Rules Same-Sex Couples Can Marry
November 18, 2003
The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts ruled today that excluding same-sex couples from marriage is unconstitutional and ordered that the common-law definition of civil marriage be reformulated to mean “the voluntary union of two...  Full Text | In French

Environics Poll Shows Support for Same-Sex Marriage Growing
October 23, 2003
After a long hot summer and autumn of debate about same-sex marriage, an Environics poll released yesterday shows support for same-sex marriage strong, and getting stronger.  Full Text | In French

FAQ on Equal Marriage in Canada
October 1, 2003
Does equal marriage apply across Canada? Short answer: In theory, yes! In practice, the situation is unclear everywhere except Ontario and B.C., where it unambiguously does apply.  Full Text | In French

Support of Same-sex Marriage Growing
September 25, 2003
In their first two weeks of operations, Canadians for Equal Marriage have been overwhelmed by the amount of support shown across the country for passage of federal same-sex marriage legislation.  Full Text | In French

Launch of Nation-Wide Coalition in Support of Same-Sex Marriage and Canadian Values
September 14, 2003
On Monday, a new nation-wide Coalition - Canadians for Equal Marriage - will be launched – the same day that Parliament resumes for a landmark session and MPs prepare to vote on a Canadian Alliance resolution to invoke the notwithstanding...  Full Text | In French

Canadians for Equal Marriage Take Action
September 13, 2003
Canada’s proposed legislation legalizing same-sex marriage is in jeopardy. To meet the challenge of the vocal opposition, we have formed Canadians for Equal Marriage, a national advocacy campaign to ensure passage of the federal legislation....  Full Text

Egale and Other Groups Form “Canadians for Equal Marriage”
September 12, 2003
The issue of equal marriage for same-sex couples has exploded into one of the biggest battles our community has faced in years. My predecessor, John Fisher, recently told participants in a strategy meeting that during the summer, we...  Full Text | In French

Lesbian & Gay Families Hurt by Inappropriate Comments
September 10, 2003
According to today’s Canadian Press article, Archbishop Jean-Claude Turcotte, has stated that the proposed redefinition of marriage could lead to the sanctioning of incestuous relationships, “a the marriage of a brother and a...  Full Text | In French

Youth Overwhelmingly Support Same-sex Marriage
September 10, 2003
As colleges and universities across this country begin a new year, students are becoming engaged in one of the most important political debates about Canada’s future. “The same-sex marriage debate is profoundly about the future...  Full Text | In French

Des représentants religieux, familles appuient le droit égal au mariage
August 22, 2003
Des représentants de nombreuses religions, des parents et des membres de familles de personnes lesbiennes, gaies, bisexuelles, et transgenres, ainsi que de diverses familles prendront la parole demain, le vendredi 22 août 2003,...  In French

Abolishing Civil Marriage: Nobody Wins
August 14, 2003
Egale Canada condemned today the suggestion by the leader of the federal PC Party that the government should abolish civil marriage.   Full Text

L’abolition du mariage civil : tout le monde serait perdant
August 14, 2003
Égale Canada condamne aujourd’hui la suggestion faite par le chef du Parti conservateur fédéral que le gouvernement devrait abolir le mariage civil.  In French

Registered Partnerships are Offensive and Unworkable Segregation
August 11, 2003
Egale Canada denounced today as offensive segregation the suggestion that registered partnerships or civil unions might be an adequate substitute for marriage. Egale is a national lesbian, gay, bisexual annd transgendered equality group, with members...  Full Text | In French

Equal Marriage for Same-Sex Couples: The Problem with Partnership Registries
August 11, 2003
Q. What’s wrong with Partnership Registries?  Full Text | In French

Equal Marriage for Same-Sex Couples: Affirming Religious Freedom
August 11, 2003
Q. Won’t equal marriage force clergy to marry same-sex couples?  Full Text | In French

Religious Leaders from Diverse Faiths Speak Out in Favour of Equal Marriage Bill
July 18, 2003
Religious leaders from diverse faiths spoke out today in support of the federal Bill which recognizes marriage for same-sex couples. Whether Anglican, Jewish, United, Unitarian, Lutheran, Quaker—all agree on one thing: the federal Bill affirms...  Full Text | In French

Religious Leaders Speak out in Favour of Equal Marriage Bill
July 17, 2003
Representatives of diverse religious faiths (e.g. Anglican, Jewish, United, Unitarian) will speak out tomorrow in favour of the federal same-sex marriage Bill, and affirm the positive value of religious pluralism.  Full Text | In French

Valentine's Day of Action
February 10, 2003
On Valentine's Day, the national LGBT equality rights organisation Egale Canada is inviting same-sex couples across the country, together with their families, supporters and friends, to present themselves at their local marriage registry office and ask...  Full Text | In French

Belgium Legislates Same-Sex Marriage
February 3, 2003
Belgium became the second country in the world to legislate same-sex marriage Friday, by a vote of 91-22. The Netherlands had already extended equal marriage rights to same-sex couples in April 2001.  Full Text

Egale Position Statement on Equal Marriage for Same-Sex Couples
January 1, 2003
The Federal Minister of Justice has released a discussion paper on marriage. It outlines three options for the Justice and Human Rights Committee to review regarding how to respond to recent court decisions declaring the exclusion of same-sex couples...  Full Text | In French

Equal Marriage
January 1, 2003
1. If you are ever in doubt as to how to reach your MP, you can phone Elections Canada toll-free at 1-800-463-6868 (or visit www.parl.gc.ca) or contact EGALE and we will let you know how to proceed.  Full Text | In French

Equal Marriage: What can I do
January 1, 2003
Help fight for equal marriage for same-sex couples by doing one or more of the following:  Full Text | In French

Equal Marriage: Introduction
January 1, 2003
Not that long ago, homosexuality was a criminal offence, we were treated as mentally ill, the federal government conducted campaigns to fire us from the public service, there was only limited human rights protection and no recognition of same-sex...  Full Text | In French

Egale Equal Marriage Lobbying Kit
January 1, 2003
Download Here  Full Text

Federal Government Arguments on Marriage an “Insult to Canadians”: Egale
September 16, 2002
In pursuing appeals against recent court decisions in favour of same-sex marriage, the federal government has just revealed in court documents that its core argument is that heterosexual procreation is the “fundamental objective”...  Full Text

Valentine’s Follow-Up
February 19, 2002
Tomorrow, the national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered equality rights organization Egale will present NDP MP Svend Robinson, Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett and Bloc Québécois MP Réal Ménard or Caroline...  Full Text | In French

Equal Marriage Q & A
November 1, 2001
Current federal and provincial laws give some legal recognition to same-sex couples. For the moment, we cannot legally obtain a recognized civil marriage. The courts have previously denied us such recognition even though federal law neither allows nor...  Full Text

The Great EGALE Marriage Petition Blitz
October 31, 2001
Collect as many signatures on the petition as you can. It’s important that people sign and print their names, and give their full mailing address.  Full Text | In French | DOC File | DOC File (FR)

Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament Assembled
October 31, 2001
We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House to the following:  Full Text | In French | ZIP File | ZIP File (FR)

The Netherlands Becomes First Country in World to Allow Same-Sex Couples to Legally Marry
March 31, 2001
Community groups, religious leaders and same-sex couples are celebrating the entry into force this weekend of Dutch legislation, which allows same-sex couples to legally marry. With this historic measure, the Netherlands will become the first...  Full Text

Bloc, NDP Support Equal Marriage Rights; Canadian Alliance Refuses to Respond
November 23, 2000
EGALE, a national organization which advances equality for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people, released today the Party Leaders’ responses to an EGALE election questionnaire.  Full Text | In French

Murray Warren Doesn’t Want to Wait Much Longer for a Marriage Licence
July 21, 2000
'Twenty-nine years is a long engagement,' says Warren, who with partner Peter Cook is one of two couples at the centre of a legal battle to win the right to marry for same-sex couples in Canada.  Full Text

Letter Regarding “Marriage Summit”
June 15, 2000
EGALE is pleased to invite you to participate in a “Marriage Summit” - a community forum taking place in Toronto on Saturday July 8 and Sunday, July 9, 2000...  Full Text

EGALE Submissions to the Attorney General of British Columbia
June 8, 2000
EGALE welcomes the strong commitment of the Attorney General of British Columbia to equality for those in same-sex relationships and his affirmation of the right of same-sex couples to marry...  Full Text

Letter to Hon. Andrew Petter
June 6, 2000
EGALE congratulates you for supporting the equal right of same-sex couples to marry. We recognize that this is consistent with a long-standing commitment of the B.C. Government to equality, and that B.C. has already taken numerous steps...  Full Text

Most in Poll Want Gay Marriages Legalized
June 10, 1999
A majority of Canadians say gay couples should be able to legally get married, a new survey has found. The Angus Reid Group survey for The Globe and Mail and CTV found that 53 per cent of Canadians favour legal marriage for gays who want to tie the...  Full Text

The Love that Dare not be Legally Recognized
June 10, 1999
Well, now we know. Marriage is only possible between a man and a woman. Same-sex couples may fall in love, form long-term conjugal relationships, become parents and grandparents and be recognized as spouses for survivor benefits, support payments and...  Full Text

Factum of the Attorney General: Beaulne Case
November 2, 1992
On 16 January 1992, the applicants attended at the office of the City Clerk of the City of Ottawa and submitted a completed marriage licence application form, dated 7 January 1992.  Full Text

Factum of the Metropolitan Community Church of Ottawa/Eglise Communautaire Metropolitaine d’Ottawa: Beaulne Case
November 2, 1992
The Metropolitan Community Church of Ottawa/Eglise Communautaire Metropolitaine d’Ottawa (“the Church”) is a Christian church for all people with a special outreach to the lesbian and gay communities...  Full Text

Factum of the Intervenor - The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada: Beaulne Case
November 2, 1992
In this appeal, the appellants contend that at issue is whether the common law rule that marriage can occur only between a man and a woman is unconstitutional. The real issue in this appeal is whether the courts should...  Full Text

Factum of the Appellants: Beaulne Case
November 2, 1992
This is an appeal from a decision of the Ontario Court (General Division) Divisional Court, dismissing the application of the appellants Beaulne and Layland for judicial review of a refusal...  Full Text

Equal Marriage Clergy Endorsement Statement
Clergy who are licensed by provincial authorities to perform marriages are invited to sign onto the following statement in support of Equal Marriage.  Full Text | In French

True and honest - and finally legal
Moving story of a Toronto gay man. By Michael Rowe.  Link

Background Paper for the Hon. Allan Rock, Minister of Justice
The purpose of this paper is to provide the Minister with background information about EGALE and EGALE’s position on the issues identified in our proposed agenda...  Full Text

Equal Marriage Statement
For many Canadians, marriage is a profoundly meaningful way to demonstrate love and commitment. Denying anyone that choice is simply not fair. Same-sex couples should have the freedom to marry in a civil ceremony...  Full Text

Letter to Layola Hearn, M.P. Regarding Justice and Human Rights Committee
I have just come from a meeting with Mr. Clark, who confirmed that you will be the Progressive Conservative representative at tomorrow’s meeting of the Justice and Human Rights Committee to discuss extending equal marriage...  Full Text

To Members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights
As you will be aware, last Thursday May 1, the day after the cross-country Committee hearings ended in Iqaluit, the British Columbia Court of Appeal unanimously affirmed...  Full Text

No Appeal in B.C.!
Egale understands that the Committee is in the process of deciding whether or not to recommend an appeal of the unanimous decision by the B.C. Court of Appeal that it is unconstitutional...  Full Text