Canadians for Equal Marriage / Egale Canada

Press Release

March 19, 2004

Quebec Becomes Third Province to Allow Same-Sex Couples to Marry

Over 70% of Canada now has equal marriage

Montreal—In a landmark decision released this morning, the Quebec Court of Appeal quashed an attempt by the Catholic Civil Rights League to appeal the Hendricks decision of the Quebec Superior Court. The Court also lifted the suspension of the Superior Court’s ruling. As a result, Quebec becomes the third province to permit same-sex couples to marry.

“This is a great day for Quebec and a great day for Canada,” said Bob Gallagher, National Coordinator for Canadians for Equal Marriage. “Now same-sex couples can marry in provinces that represent over 70% of Canada’s population. The only question that remains is when all of Canada will benefit from equal marriage for same-sex couples.”

“Thousands of gay and lesbian couples have already been married in B.C. and Ontario,” said Gilles Marchildon, Executive Director of Egale. “As far as I’m aware, not one single heterosexual couple has called off their wedding as a result. Instead, Canada has earned a reputation as one of the most progressive countries in the world. Studies show this will attract top knowledge workers as well as a flood of tourists. Now Quebec too can benefit.”

“There’s nothing stopping other provinces from letting same-sex couples marry,” said Laurie Arron, Director of Advocacy of Egale. “Since the Charter applies across the country, the law must be that same-sex couples can marry across the country. The only reason courts haven’t ruled in the other provinces is that their courts haven’t yet been asked. It’s time for the remaining provinces to act. Federal legislation is required to send a clear signal and to change ancillary laws, but there’s no reason for the provinces to wait. We call on the Attorney General of Canada to send a clear signal that all provinces and territories should now let same-sex couples marry.”

“Excluding gay and lesbian people from marriage is discrimination, plain and simple,” continued Mr. Arron. “Righting that wrong is good for us and it’s good for Canada. Everyone benefits from living in a country where all are recognized at law as human beings, equally deserving of concern, respect and consideration.”

“We now expect the Québec government to abide by the ruling and allow same-sex wedding celebrations to be held,” said Claude Côté, Québec board member of Egale. “Gays and lesbians in Quebec, the first province to outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in 1977, have now been granted full equality under the law, less than two years after the Québec National Assembly unanimously passed a civil union and full parental rights bill for same-sex couples. We applaud this historic decision.”

“We congratulate Michael Hendricks and René LeBoeuf, who can finally marry after being together for more than three decades,” said Mr. Marchildon.

For further information:
Laurie Arron, Political Coordinator, Canadians for Equal Marriage: 416 928-1238 (o), 416-839-7178 (c)
Bob Gallagher, National Coordinator, Canadians for Equal Marriage: 416 456-4043 (c)
Alex Munter, Co-Chair, Canadians for Equal Marriage: 613 592-6993 (h) (bilingual)
Gilles Marchildon, Executive Director, Egale Canada: 613-864-1133 (c) (bilingual)
Claude Côté, Egale Board Member (Montreal): 514-525-6910 (h) (bilingual)

Egale Canada ©2010

Advancing equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-identified people and their families across Canada