Letter to Adopt-an-MP Adoptive Parents

December 15, 1998

Dear Adoptive Parent:

We are writing to alert you to a very significant Supreme Court of Canada decision – M & H v. Ontario – which is expected to be released early in the New Year. This case concerns a challenge to the “opposite sex” definition of “spouse” in Ontario’s Family Law Act. We want to ensure that you are aware of the importance of this decision and that you have background information on it.

EGALE will respond publicly to the decision as soon as it is known. While we cannot predict the outcome, we anticipate that the decision will generate much media interest and public debate.

Win or lose, we are asking you as an adoptive parent to use the enclosed information and expected public debate to contact your MP in writing or in person, and reiterate the importance of ending the discrimination that gays and lesbians face in relationship choices. If we are successful, the Supreme Court will have ruled for the first time that those in same-sex relationships are entitled to be treated equally. Even if we are unsuccessful, the Court will very likely indicate that it is the role of governments to end discrimination against gays and lesbians.

If you do not know who your MP is, or are not sure how to contact him or her, you can phone Elections Canada toll-free at 1-800-463-6868 to find out. Don’t forget to contact EGALE at mp@egale.ca or 1-888-204-7777 to let us know your MP’s response.

Good luck and best wishes for an enjoyable and productive 1999.

Sincerely,

John Fisher
Executive Director

Egale Canada ©2010

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